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The moisture in oil-paper insulation significantly threatens the safe operation of power transformers. Measuring the moisture in the insulation system and understanding its migration mechanisms and distribution patterns are crucial for equipment operation and maintenance. The diffusion and exchange of moisture between the insulating pressboard's solid phase and the insulating oil's liquid phase are extensively researched. However, more than 90% of the moisture is present in the insulating pressboard's solid phase in the oil-paper insulation system. The migration and distribution patterns of this moisture in different regions within the insulating pressboard, as well as the influencing factors, are not yet fully understood because of the lack of nondestructive testing conditions. This study introduced terahertz spectroscopy for the nondestructive measurement of moisture in insulating pressboard. The internal moisture diffusion of the oil-impregnated insulatingpressboard was also investigated. Thus, a method for determining the internal diffusion coefficient (Dpaper) was established. Further studies were conducted on the correlation and equations between Dpaper, moisture content, and temperature. Based on the results, a three-dimensional moisture diffusion model under thermal fields was established. Moreover, experimental validation was performed, thereby confirming good agreement between the model and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of deep learning algorithms and the growing availability of computational power, deep learning-based forecasting methods have gained significant importance in the domain of time series forecasting. In the past decade, there has been a rapid rise in time series forecasting approaches. This paper comprehensively reviews the advancements in deep learning-based forecasting models spanning 2014 to 2024. We provide a comprehensive examination of the capabilities of these models in capturing correlations among time steps and time series variables. Additionally, we explore methods to enhance the efficiency of long-term time series forecasting and summarize the diverse loss functions employed in these models. Moreover, this study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of these approaches in both univariate and multivariate time series forecasting tasks across diverse domains. We comprehensively discuss the strengths and limitations of various algorithms from multiple perspectives, analyze their capacity to capture different types of time series information, including trend and season patterns, and compare methods for enhancing the computational efficiency of these models. Finally, we summarize the experimental results and discuss the future directions in time series forecasting. Codes and datasets are available at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate short-term forecasts of passenger flow are crucial for the organization and management of metro systems. However, passenger flow in metro networks exhibits unique and complex patterns due to temporal dependencies associated with operating periods, graph-based spatial dependencies among distant stations, and correlation between inflow and outflow. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel deep learning approach, Chebyshev Graph Convolutional-Sample Convolution and Interaction Network (CBGC-SCI), for forecasting metro passenger flow. CBGC-SCI comprises two components: a spatial module based on Chebyshev polynomials graph convolution and a temporal module based on a downsample-convolve-interact architecture. The spatial module effectively captures graph-structured adjacency relations among metro stations, particularly those at a distance, by aggregating high-order node information. The temporal module extracts nonlinear passenger flow dynamics and long-term temporal dependencies, offering multi-step forecasting results with high predictive accuracy. Moreover, using smart card data of Shenzhen Metro collected via the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, we conduct extensive comparative experiments for methods validation, involving different input time steps, the correlation between passenger inflow and outflow, various operating periods, and diverse Graph Neural Network (GNN) modules. The results show that CBGC-SCI can well capture distant graph-based spatial dependencies and temporal dependencies, and outperform state-of-the-art baselines in terms of forecasting accuracy. Besides, considering the correlation between passenger inflow and outflow enhances the model's forecasting accuracy. Considering various metro passenger flow patterns during different operating periods, our comparative analysis of forecasting results highlights the superior performance of our proposed model across all operational conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive evidence underscores the pivotal role of socioeconomic status (SES) in shaping cancer-related outcomes. However, synthesizing definitive and actionable insights from the expansive body of literature remains a significant challenge. To elucidate the associations between SES, cancer outcomes, and the overall cancer burden, we conducted a comprehensive burden estimation coupled with an umbrella review of relevant meta-analyses. Our findings reveal that robust or highly suggestive meta-analytic evidence supports only a limited number of these associations. Individuals with lower SES, compared to those with higher SES, are disproportionately disadvantaged by reduced access to immunotherapy, KRAS testing for colorectal cancer, targeted cancer therapies, and precision treatments for melanoma. Additionally, they exhibit lower rates of breast cancer screening and higher incidence rates of lung cancer. Furthermore, countries with a higher Human Development Index demonstrate a substantially greater burden related cancer incidence, with this disparity being more pronounced among men than women. Socioeconomic status has been previously linked to cancer outcomes. Here, the authors use an umbrella review to identify differences in access to immunotherapy and cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first construct a sequence of hyperbolic surfaces with connected geodesic boundary such that the first normalized Steklov eigenvalue σ ~ 1 tends to infinity. We then prove that the Weil–Petersson probability that a hyperbolic surface Σ of genus g with n boundary components of lengths L g 1 , … , L g n satisfies σ ~ 1 (Σ) > C · ‖ L g ‖ 1 , where C is a positive universal constant, tends to 1 as g → ∞ , provided that ‖ L g ‖ 1 = ∑ i = 1 n L g i tends to infinity at most logarithmically in g and each L g i stays away from zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc-doped CuAl2O4 (Zn-CuAl2O4) nanofiber membranes with a high specific surface area, multi-pore structure, and a partial inverse spinel structure were successfully fabricated by controlling the electrospinning process and calcination atmospheres. The excessive doping of Zn2+ ions results in the formation of ZnAl2O4/CuAl2O4 fiber membrane, which has a poor UV-Vis absorption ability. The diameter of Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofibers is about 80 nm, and the specific surface area of the Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofiber membrane is 45.2 m2/g. XRD and XPS results indicate that Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofiber membranes contain spinel and inverse spinel phases. Compared with pure spinel CuAl2O4 nanofiber membranes, the UV-Vis absorption ability of the Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofiber membrane is enhanced, and transient photocurrent intensity was increased from 0.14 mA/cm2 to 0.16 mA/cm2. The free radical capture experiments and EPR spectra indicate that huge ·O2− are generated on the surface of the Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofiber membrane, and the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of MB is increased by 14%. The Zn-CuAl2O4 nanofiber membranes exhibit excellent cycling stability and have great potential for photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe prosthetic-associated subclinical thrombotic events (PASTE) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) by cardiac CTA, and assess their impact on long-term patient outcomes. Materials: We prospectively and consecutively enrolled 188 patients with severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVI from February 2014 to April 2017. At 5 years, 61 of 141 survived patients who had completed annual follow-up CTA (≥ 5 years) were included. We analyzed PASTE by CTA, including hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT), sinus filling defect (SFD), and prosthesis filling defect (PFD). The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiovascular composite outcome (MACCO) of stroke, cardiac re-hospitalization, and bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD); the secondary outcomes were bioprosthetic hemodynamics deterioration (PGmean) and cardiac dysfunction (LVEF). Results: During a median follow-up time of 5.25 years, long-term incidence of HALT, SFD, and PFD were 54.1%, 37.7%, and 73.8%, respectively. In the primary outcome, SFD and early SFD were associated with the MACCO (SFD: p = 0.005; early SFD: p = 0.018), and SFD was a predictor of MACCO (HR: 2.870; 95% CI: 1.010 to 8.154, p = 0.048). In the secondary outcomes, HALT was associated with increased PGmean (p = 0.031), while persistent HALT was correlated with ΔPGmean (β = 0.38, p = 0.035). SFD was negatively correlated with ΔLVEF (β = −0.39, p = 0.041), and early SFD was negatively correlated with LVEF and ΔLVEF (LVEF: r = −0.50, p = 0.041; ΔLVEF: r = −0.53, p = 0.030). Conclusions: PASTE were associated with adverse long-term outcomes, bioprosthetic hemodynamics deterioration, and cardiac dysfunction. In particular, SFD was a predictor of MACCO and may be a potential target for anticoagulation after TAVI (NCT02803294). Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02803294. Critical relevance statement: PASTE, especially SFD, after TAVI based on cardiac CTA findings impacts the long-term outcomes of patients which is a predictor of long-term major adverse outcomes in patients and may be a potential target for anticoagulation after TAVI. Key Points: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is being used more often; associated subclinical thromboses have not been thoroughly evaluated. Prosthetic-associated subclinical thrombotic events were associated with adverse outcomes, bioprosthetic hemodynamics deterioration, and cardiac dysfunction. Studies should be directed at these topics to determine if they should be intervened upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the elderly constitute more than a third of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, they have not been adequately represented in treatment and prognosis studies. Thus, there is not enough evidence to guide the treatment of such patients. The objective of this study is to identify the prognostic factors of older patients with HCC and to construct a new prognostic model for predicting their overall survival (OS). Methods: 2,721 HCC patients aged ≥ 65 were extracted from the public database-Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set with a ratio of 7:3. 101 patients diagnosed from 2008 to 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were identified as the external validation set. Univariate cox regression analyses and multivariate cox regression analyses were adopted to identify these independent prognostic factors. A predictive nomogram-based risk stratification model was proposed and evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and a decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: These attributes including age, sex, marital status, T stage, N stage, surgery, chemotherapy, tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein level, fibrosis score, bone metastasis, lung metastasis, and grade were the independent prognostic factors for older patients with HCC while predicting survival duration. We found that the nomogram provided a good assessment of OS at 1, 3, and 5 years in older patients with HCC (1-year OS: (training set: AUC = 0.823 (95%CI 0.803–0.845); internal validation set: AUC = 0.847 (95%CI 0.818–0.876); external validation set: AUC = 0.732 (95%CI 0.521–0.943)); 3-year OS: (training set: AUC = 0.813 (95%CI 0.790–0.837); internal validation set: AUC = 0.844 (95%CI 0.812–0.876); external validation set: AUC = 0.780 (95%CI 0.674–0.887)); 5-year OS: (training set: AUC = 0.839 (95%CI 0.806–0.872); internal validation set: AUC = 0.800 (95%CI 0.751–0.849); external validation set: AUC = 0.821 (95%CI 0.727–0.914)). The calibration curves showed that the nomogram was with strong calibration. The DCA indicated that the nomogram can be used as an effective tool in clinical practice. The risk stratification of all subgroups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the stratification analysis of surgery, larger resection (LR) achieved a better survival curve than local destruction (LD), but a worse one than segmental resection (SR) and liver transplantation (LT) (p < 0.0001). With the consideration of the friendship to clinicians, we further developed an online interface (OHCCPredictor) for such a predictive function (https://juntaotan.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp%5fhcc/). With such an easily obtained online tool, clinicians will be provided helpful assistance in formulating personalized therapy to assess the prognosis of older patients with HCC. Conclusions: Age, sex, marital status, T stage, N stage, surgery, chemotherapy, tumor size, AFP level, fibrosis score, bone metastasis, lung metastasis, and grade were independent prognostic factors for elderly patients with HCC. The constructed nomogram model based on the above factors could accurately predict the prognosis of such patients. Besides, the developed online web interface of the predictive model provide easily obtained access for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture in oil–paper insulation threatens the safe operation of transformers. Consequently, the diffusion, migration, and equilibrium behavior of water molecules in oil–paper insulation has always been a research hotspot in this field. Water molecules exist in both free and bound states in oil–paper insulation. Currently, the Fick model is commonly used to describe the diffusion behavior of free water molecules in oil–paper without considering the behavior of bound water molecules, resulting in significant deviations between the calculated and measured results. In this study, the Langmuir model was introduced to investigate the diffusion behavior of free and bound water during the drying process of insulation paper, revealing that the adsorption and desorption coefficients in the model could characterize the conversion process of free and bound water molecules in cellulose under different conditions, predict the drying behavior of insulation paper at a given temperature and pressure, and guide the drying process conditions of active part insulation in transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are considered as a crucial energy source for flexible and wearable electronics. Pseudo-planar heterojunction (PPHJ) OSCs simplify the solution preparation and morphology control. However, non-halogenated solvent-printed PPHJ often have an undesirable vertical component distribution and insufficient donor/acceptor interfaces. Additionally, the inherent brittleness of non-fullerene small molecule acceptors (NFSMAs) in PPHJ leads to poor flexibility, and the NFSMAs solution shows inadequate viscosity during the printing of acceptor layer. Herein, we propose a novel approach termed polymer-incorporated pseudo-planar heterojunction (PiPPHJ), wherein a small amount of polymer donor is introduced into the NFSMAs layer. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of polymer increases the viscosity of acceptor solution, thereby improving the blade-coating processability and overall film quality. Simultaneously, this strategy effectively modulates the vertical component distribution, resulting in more donor/acceptor interfaces and an improved power conversion efficiency of 17.26%. Furthermore, PiPPHJ-based films exhibit superior tensile properties, with a crack onset strain of 12.0%, surpassing PPHJ-based films (9.6%). Consequently, large-area (1 cm2) flexible devices achieve a considerable efficiency of 13.30% and maintain excellent mechanical flexibility with 82% of the initial efficiency after 1000 bending cycles. These findings underscore the significant potential of PiPPHJ-based OSCs in flexible and wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holocene temperature conundrum, the discrepancy between proxy-based Holocene global cooling and simulated global annual warming trends, remains controversial. Meanwhile, reconstructions and simulations show inconsistent spatial patterns of terrestrial temperature changes. Here we report Holocene alkenone records to address spatial patterns over mid-latitude Eurasia. In contrast with long-term cooling trends in warm season temperatures in northeastern China, records from southwestern Siberia are characterized by colder conditions before ~6,000 years ago, thus long-term warming trends. Together with existing records from surrounding regions, we infer that colder airmass might have prevailed in the interior of mid-latitude Eurasian continent during the early to mid-Holocene, perhaps associated with atmospheric response to remnant ice sheets. Our results challenge the proposed seasonality bias in proxies and modeled spatial patterns in study region, highlighting that spatial patterns of Holocene temperature changes should be re-considered in record integrations and model simulations, with important implications for terrestrial hydroclimate changes.New alkenone results and existing temperature records together show contrasting Holocene temperature trends and thus display spatial patterns over mid-latitude Eurasia, with implications for the Holocene temperature conundrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: Developing the cultivation and utilization of tiger nuts on marginal land is an effective approach to tackle the shortage of arable land in northern China. However, key information on their growth is unclear. This study aims to reveal the adaption potential of tiger nuts to on marginal land to help improve and adjust management practices. Methods: Three treatments were arranged to plant tiger nut in marginal land: no fertilization (N:P = 0:0), traditional fertilization (N:P = 15:15), and additional nitrogen fertilizer (N:P = 60:15). Functional traits of tiger nut and soil nutrients over three growth periods were investigated. Results: Under no fertilization, tiger nuts extended roots and toughened leaves to maximize nutrient absorption, and then quickly transported those nutrients to tubers. However, the lack of available phosphorus in the soil prevented the expansion of tubers. With the addition of fertilizers, tiger nuts produced more individuals, and their abundant belowground tissues resulted in soil organic matter increase. Under traditional fertilization, the tuber remains the main reproductive organ for tiger nuts, and phosphorus has a significant effect on the expansion of tubers. But under additional nitrogen fertilizer, the main reproductive organ changed to the stolon, nitrogen and phosphorus acted on stolons to promote their extension. Conclusion: Tiger nuts outstandingly adapt to marginal land environments and adjust their adaptation strategies according to varying soil nutrient conditions, Best tuber production will be achieved in soils with higher phosphorus availability, and a significant nitrogen proportion increase in fertilizers is necessary for enhancing aboveground production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and sensitive QTRAP mass spectrometric method was developed for the detection and confirmation of nine sweeteners (acesulfame, saccharin sodium, sodium cyclamate, aspartame, alitame, sucralose, neotame, stevia extract, and advantage) in Chinese rice wine. The samples with different sugar contents were diluted with ultrapure water, and the standard working solution was prepared by adding 1.0 mL of Chinese rice wine blank matrix to the standard series solution. The target was separated by a Kinetex 2.6 μm F5 100 A LC Column 100 × 2.1 mm chromatographic column, MRM-IDA-EPA by applying QTRAP mass spectrometry composite mode acquisition was applied to obtain MRM data as well as highly sensitive secondary fragmentation full-spectrum data at the same time to establish a standard library of nine Chinese rice wine sweeteners for accurate characterization and MRM data peak area (external standard method) quantification by automatic comparison with the library of standards. The experiments showed that the correlation coefficients of the standard curves of the nine sweeteners were greater than 0.997 in the range of 10 ~ 500 µg/L standard working series solutions, and the limits of quantification of the method were in the range of 0.8–88.0 µg/kg, with spiked recoveries of 80.3%~118.8% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.74%~6.40%. QTRAP mass spectrometry was used for the determination of the nine sweeteners in Chinese rice wine with easy and fast pretreatment, simple operation, high accuracy, and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nondestructive evaluation of aging state of oil–paper insulation is an important means to prevent aging failure. A characteristic model based on terahertz-sensing hydrogen bond content is proposed in this study to evaluate the aging state of oil-impregnated pressboard nondestructively by analyzing its terahertz absorption spectrum. Oil–paper samples at different aging stages were obtained using accelerated thermal aging in the laboratory, and the terahertz spectrum collection range of oil-impregnated pressboard was 0.3–2.0 THz. Spectral characteristic peaks were extracted and the relationship between peak area and degree of polymerization of oil-impregnated pressboard was investigated on the basis of quantum chemical simulation analysis and Gaussian function fitting of experimental spectral features. Finally, the mechanism of characteristic peak was verified by combining infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that the 1 THz characteristic peak is closely related to hydroxyl and hydrogen bond contents in cellulose, its area presents satisfactory semilogarithmic linear function relationship with the degree of polymerization of insulating paper, and the maximum Pierce correlation coefficient is 0.95. The prediction results of aging samples with different oil–paper ratios further verify the correctness of this relationship, and the prediction error of the degree of polymerization value of insulating paper is within ± 20%. The results of this study can provide new insights into the nondestructive evaluation of the aging state of oil–paper insulation using terahertz technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to function as vital regulators in cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to explore the role of circ_0062558 in TNBC. Methods: The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to quantify the expressions of circ_0062558, microRNA-876-3p (miR-876-3p), and solute carrier family 1 (neutral amino acid transporter), member 5 (SLC1A5) in TNBC tissues and cells. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide (MTT), thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assays were employed for cell phenotype analyses. Protein expression was tested by western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter was used to confirm the association among circ_0062558, miR-876-3p, and SLC1A5 in TNBC. Xenograft experiments were performed to elucidate the function of circ_0062558 in vivo. Results: TNBC tissues and cells showed the higher level of circ_0062558 when compared with control samples. Downregulation of circ_0062558 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and glutamine metabolism, while enhanced apoptosis of TNBC cells, and silencing of circ_0062558 also inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo. MiR-876-3p was confirmed as a target of circ_0062558, and circ_0062558 knockdown repressed TNBC cell malignant behaviors by increasing miR-876-3p. Furthermore, miR-876-3p inhibited malignant behaviors of TNBC cells by down-regulating SLC1A5, a newly identified target of miR-876-3p. Conclusion: Circ_0062558 promoted TNBC progression by enhancing proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and glutamine metabolism via miR-876-3p/SLC1A5 axis, which was helpful for understanding the carcinogenic roles of circ_0062558. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting CO2 into carbonaceous fuels via photocatalysis represents an appealing strategy to simultaneously alleviate the energy crisis and associated environmental problems, yet designing with high photoreduction activity catalysts remains a compelling challenge. Here, combining the merits of highly porous structure and maximum atomic efficiency, we rationally constructed covalent triazine-based frameworks (CTFs) anchoring copper single atoms (Cu−SA/CTF) photocatalysts for efficient CO2 conversion. The Cu single atoms were visualized by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) images and coordination structure of Cu−N−C2 sites was revealed by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses. The as-prepared Cu−SA/CTF photocatalysts exhibited superior photocatalytic CO2 conversion to CH4 performance associated with a high selectivity of 98.31%. Significantly, the introduction of Cu single atoms endowed the Cu−SA/CTF catalysts with increased CO2 adsorption capacity, strengthened visible light responsive ability, and improved the photogenerated carriers separation efficiency, thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity. This work provides useful guidelines for designing robust visible light responsive photoreduction CO2 catalysts on the atomic scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring and utilizing the agronomic potential of deep-underground is one of the ways to cope with the challenges of sudden environmental change on agriculture. Understanding the effects of environmental stresses on the morphological and physiological indicators of crop seeds after their storage deep-underground is crucial to developing and implementing strategies for agriculture in the deep-underground space. In this study, we stored canola seeds in tunnels with horizontal depths of 0, 240, 690, and 1410 m in a gold mine. Seeds in envelopes were retrieved at 42, 66, 90, and 227 days of storage, whereas seeds in sealed packages were retrieved at 66 and 227 days of storage. The germination tests were conducted to investigate the effects of storage depth, duration, and packing method on stored and non-stored seeds. Results showed that increased depth and duration reduced seed germination rate, with the germination and vigor indexes also descending to varying degrees. Increased hypocotyl length and biomass accumulation suggested that deep-underground environment had a more significant compensatory effect on seed germination. For all indicators, the performance of seeds sealed in packages was superior to those stored in envelopes. Regression analysis showed that it was difficult to obtain the optimal value of each indicator simultaneously. The successful germination experiment foreshadowed the possibilities of deep-underground agriculture in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ridership prediction at station level plays a critical role in subway transportation planning. Among various existing ridership prediction methods, direct demand model has been recognized as an effective approach. However, direct demand models including geographically weighted regression (GWR) have rarely been studied for local model selection in ridership prediction. In practice, acquiring insights into subway ridership under multiple influencing factors from a local perspective is important for passenger flow management and transportation planning operations adapting to local conditions. In this study, we propose an adapted geographically weighted LASSO (Ada-GWL) framework for modelling subway ridership, which involves regression-coefficient shrinkage and local model selection. It takes subway network layout into account and adopts network-based distance metric instead of Euclidean-based distance metric, making it so-called adapted to the context of subway networks. The real-world case of Shenzhen Metro is used to elaborate our proposed model. The results show that the proposed Ada-GWL model performs the best compared with the global model (ordinary least square, GWR, GWR calibrated with network-based distance metric and geographically weighted LASSO (GWL) in terms of estimation error and goodness-of-fit. Through understanding the variation of each coefficient across space (elasticities) and variables selection of each station, it provides more realistic conclusions based on local analysis. Besides, through clustering analysis of the stations according to the regression coefficients, clusters' functional characteristics are found to be in compliance with the policy of functional land use in Shenzhen, indicating the high interpretability of Ada-GWL model from the spatial angle. In other words, the regression coefficients of different stations can provide us the local prospective to understand the influence of factors on stations' ridership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)–RELATED (CLE) gene family encodes a large number of polypeptide signaling molecules involved in the regulation of shoot apical meristem division and root and vascular bundle development in a variety of plants. CLE family genes encode important short peptide hormones; however, the functions of these signaling polypeptides in cotton remain largely unknown. In the current work, we studied the effects of the CLE family genes on growth and development in cotton. Based on the presence of a conserved CLE motif of 13 amino acids, 93 genes were characterized as GhCLE gene family members, and these were subcategorized into 7 groups. A preliminary analysis of the cotton CLE gene family indicated that the activity of its members tends to be conserved in terms of both the 13-residue conserved domain at the C-terminus and their subcellular localization pattern. Among the 14 tested genes, the ectopic overexpression of GhCLE5::GFP partially mimicked the phenotype of the clv3 mutant in Arabidopsis. GhCLE5 could affect the endogenous CLV3 in binding to the receptor complex, comprised of CLV1, CLV2, and CRN, in the yeast two-hybrid assay and split-luciferase assay. Silencing GhCLE5 in cotton caused a short seedling phenotype. Therefore, we concluded that the cotton GhCLE gene family is functionally conserved in apical shoot development regulation. These results indicate that CLE also plays roles in cotton development as a short peptide hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science B is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Resorbable coatings are processed on flexible implants to facilitate penetrations. However, impacts of fabricating methods on implantation damage of coated probes are unclear. Herein, photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) based flexible neural implants are fabricated through clean-room technology. Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) - dexamethasone (DEX) coatings are processed through an improved micro moulding protocol in micro channels, fabricated by computer-numerical-controlled (CNC) micro milling, laser machining, and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), respectively. An in vitro testing system is developed, using maximum insertion force F max and mean region-of-interest strain S mean to accurately evaluate effects of the three fabricating methods on implantation damage at different insertion speed. Rat cerebrum, agarose gel, and silicone rubber are used as brain phantoms for tests. Results show that lower insertion speed, and micro channels fabricated by CNC micro milling or DRIE can minimize implantation damage. The decrease of insertion speed from 2.0 mm/s to 0.5 mm/s reduces F max by 76.2% ~85.1% and S mean by 11.6% ~14.7%, respectively. Compared with laser machining, CNC micro milling and DRIE ensure dimensional accuracy of the PEG/DEX coating, reducing F max by 20.2% ~51.4% and S mean by 8.0% ~11.6%, respectively. Compared with biological rat cerebrum, F max reduces by 5.8% ~25.1% in agarose gel phantom and increases by 7.7% ~21.0% in silicone rubber phantom, respectively. This study improves processing methods of polymer coatings and reveals mechanical difference between current used abiotic brain phantoms and biological brain tissues. Implantation tests establish quantitative relationship among insertion speed, fabricating methods, and implantation damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the environmental history and its responses to palaeoclimatic changes since the start of the Holocene in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China by comparing the aeolian sandpalaeosol sequences and their palaeoclimatic proxies. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the aeolian sandpalaeosol sedimentary sequences and a series of palaeoenvironmental proxies show that: (1) The large-scale dune landscape currently in the Kubuqi Sand Sea was formed during the Holocene in general; and the palaeosol was generally developed during the period of 4–2 ka, indicating conditions favorable for vegetation growth, soil development, and organic carbon accumulation due to increased precipitation or effective moisture and weakened aeolian activities; the large-scale expansion of dunes in the recent 2 ka is closely linked to human activities. The variable discharge of the Yellow River with diversions for irrigation may have resulted in a more consistent supply of aeolian particles for dune field expansion. (2) The dune landscape of the Hunshandake Sandy Land was likely formed around 12 ka, and before this, the western part of the Hunshandake Sandy Land would have been covered by a single large lake; it was obviously wetter than today in the sandy land during the period of 9.6–3 ka and the palaeosols were developed at the same time. But the aeolian activities have not been completely dormant in this long-lasting wetter epoch; because the Holocene wetter period was likely time-transgressive across the region. (3) The palaeosol of the Hulunbuir Sandy Land began to develop as early as 14.5 ka, probably continuing until the last 2 ka. The palaeosol development of various dune fields in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China is spatially heterogeneous, and even the palaeosol development time in different locations within each sandy land is inconsistent. During the middle Holocene (especially the 7.5–3.5 ka), all the sandy lands were stabilized in general and the intensity of aeolian activities was significantly weakened. The number of palaeoenvironmental records in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China has increased rapidly in the past decade, but the amount of published data still does not match the vast extent of the dune fields. It does require much more in-depth palaeoenvironmental studies for a full understanding of the relationship between aeolian activities and climate change in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxies have a wide range of applications in fuel tank fabrication, aerospace, electrical, electronic, and automobile industries. However, these resins are quite brittle, showing poor mechanical performance, especially at cryogenic temperature. The properties of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs)-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated to develop advanced composites for cryogenic use. Two methods were adopted to modify MWCNTs. MWCNTs were first treated by acid mixture, and then maleic anhydride (MA) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) grafting was carried out. At last, the functionalized MWCNTs were integrated into epoxy to prepare MWCNT-reinforced epoxy composites. Raman and XPS analysis proved the effectiveness of acid mixture treatment and confirmed the grafting reaction of MA and IPDI with MWCNTs. TEM analysis indicated that MA and IPDI had been grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs and formed a thin layer. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength of composites at liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) are all enhanced by the addition of MWCNTs. Results of dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that introducing a small amount of functionalized MWCNTs to epoxy can enhance their storage modulus at 77 K and glass-transition temperature of composites. The results indicated that surface modified MWCNTs can be effectively utilized to enhance the properties of epoxy-based composites at cryogenic temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis and characterization of N, N′-di- p-tolylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (DTPDA) was carried out and used for extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from nitric acid solutions. The processes of extraction were determined by the slope analysis and by analyzing a function that allows the simultaneous treatment of all the experimental points obtained in different conditions. The different factors affecting the extraction distribution ratio( D) of U(VI) and Th(IV) (extraction concentration, concentrations of nitric acid, salting-out agent NaNO concentration, equilibration time and temperature) were investigated. The results obtained indicated that the extraction species of U(VI) and Th(IV) are mainly extracted as UO(NO)·1.5DTPDA and Th(NO)·1.5DTPDA. The related thermodynamic functions were calculated. Back-extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from organic phases was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable efforts have been made to extend temperature records beyond the instrumental period through proxy reconstructions, in order to further understand the mechanisms of past climate variability. Yet, the global coverage of existing temperature records is still limited, especially for some key regions like the Tibetan Plateau and for earlier times including the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). Here we present decadally-resolved, alkenone-based, temperature records from two lakes on the northern Tibetan Plateau. Characterized by marked temperature variability, our records provide evidence that temperatures during the MWP were slightly higher than the modern period in this region. Further, our temperature reconstructions, within age uncertainty, can be well correlated with solar irradiance changes, suggesting a possible link between solar forcing and natural climate variability, at least on the northern Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new meshless numerical method is proposed for solving the second-order hyperbolic telegraph equations with coefficients variable in space and time. The temporal discretization is presented by the two-level time-stepping Crank-Nicolson scheme (CNS) with the meshless semi-analytical technique proposed by Reutskiy and Lin (Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 112, 2004 (2017)) for spatial discretization. For the spatial discretization, the approximation is given to satisfy the boundary conditions in advance with any free parameters. Then the approximation is substituted back to the governing equations where the unknowns are determined by the collocation approach. The efficacy of the proposed approach has been confirmed by numerical experiments and comparisons with the results obtained by other techniques. Numerical results show that the proposed method is of high accuracy and efficacy for solving a wide class of telegraph equations. The method is very simple and does not require any specific technique in handling the singularity at the endpoints of the solution domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust storms in northern China strongly affect the living and health of people there and the dusts could travel a full circle of the globe in a short time. Historically, more frequent dust storms occurred during cool periods, particularly the Little Ice Age (LIA), generally attributed to the strengthened Siberian High. However, limited by chronological uncertainties in proxy records, this mechanism may not fully reveal the causes of dust storm frequency changes. Here we present a late Holocene dust record from the Qaidam Basin, where hydrological changes were previously reconstructed, and examine dust records from northern China, including the ones from historical documents. The records, being broadly consistent, indicate the onset of frequent dust storms at ~AD 1100. Further, peaked dust storm events occurred at episodes of high total solar irradiance or warm-dry conditions in source regions, superimposed on the high background of frequent dust storms within the cool LIA period. We thus suggest that besides strong wind activities, the centennial-scale dust storm events over the last 1000 years appear to be linked to the increased availability of dust source. With the anticipated global warming and deteriorating vegetation coverage, frequent occurrence of dust storms in northern China would be expected to persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]