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This paper investigates the problem of mean-square finite-time passivity of discrete-time stochastic Markov jump neural networks with distributed delays and sensor nonlinearities. The distributed delays and sensor nonlinearities are randomly varying and described by mode-dependent random sequences with known statistical information. The mean-square finite-time boundedness and mean-square finite-time passivity results are obtained based on Lyapunov-like functional method. And the mean-square finite-time passivity is also considered for neural networks with random infinite-distributed delays. Finally, a numerical example verifies the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the corrosion characteristics of W90 tungsten alloy and compare them with those of conventional hot-worked steel (SKD61), immersion tests were carried out in molten aluminium alloy (ADC12). Severe corrosion occurred in SKD61, whereas the corrosion resistance of W90 was about 40 times greater, with little occurring even after 300 h immersion. However, significant microstructural changes occurred in W90 resulting from penetration of aluminium and silicon through grain boundaries to create WAl5 and WSi2 phases, detectable even after a few hours’ immersion. Relatively soft (hardness 1.5 GPa) WAl5 formed between the W based grains, and hard (10 GPa) WSi2 outside the W based grains. Tensile strength decreased slowly with increasing immersion time, while a significant reduction in fracture strain occurred. These changes in tensile properties were caused by the microstructural changes, e.g. soft and brittle intermetallic compounds. Crack propagated along the WAl5 phases (intergranular fracture), whereas transgranular fracture was dominant for uncorroded or less corroded W90. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a highly-efficient continuous-wave Ho:SSO laser pumped by a diode-pumped Tm:YAP laser with a narrow linewidth (NL) of 0.3 nm. With the free-running (FR) Tm:YAP laser, we obtain a maximum output power of 2.23 W at an absorption pump power of 7.2 W, corresponding to an optical conversion efficiency of 31% and a slope efficiency of 42.6%. With the NL Tm:YAP laser, we obtain a maximum output power of 2.88 W at the same absorption pump power. The optical conversion efficiency increases to 40% when the slope efficiency increases to 55.5%. The output linewidth of the Ho:SSO laser is 0.8 nm when we use the Tm:YAP laser with a narrow linewidth of 1.8 nm pumped by a FR Tm:YAP laser. The beam quality also changes from 1.31 to 1.22. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • H 2 O 2 evolution reaction is realized by BiVO 4 based photoanode and using water as sole reactant. • Co2+ and PO 4 3- ions have been loaded on Mo doped BiVO 4 photoanode to promote the surface reaction for H 2 O 2 production. • In-situ electron paramagnetic resonance has acquired to study the role of the Co2+ and PO 4 3- ions for the promoted performance. The efficiency of hydrogen peroxide evolution reaction (H 2 O 2 ER) by photoanodic water oxidation is normally limited by low yield and poor selectivity. In this work, the surfaces of Mo doped BiVO 4 are modified by Co2+ and PO 4 3- ions (CPMB), which has been used as the photoanode with improved H 2 O 2 yield and selectivity. The optimal evolution rate of the CPMB is ca. 0.23 µmol·min−1·cm−2, corresponding to 2.5 times to the pristine BiVO 4 photoanode, and the faradaic efficiency of CPMB photoanode for H 2 O 2 ER is ca. 26%. In this study, the mechanism for the improved H 2 O 2 evolution performance of CPMB has been investigated, indicating that PO 4 3- ions mainly promote the formation of the •OH by dissociation of H 2 O, while Co2+ ions accelerate the conversion of the •OH for the subsequent H 2 O 2 evolution. This study offers the strategy for designing an efficient photoelectrochemical system with optimized solar conversion efficiency for H 2 O 2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine production platforms and subsea production systems desperately need compact and highly efficient gas–liquid separators. The gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC), which mainly utilizes gravitational and centrifugal forces to achieve separation, can be an superior choice. Herein, a pressure control scheme is proposed that allows the GLCC to realize fast and stable gas–liquid separation. The droplet size distributions measured by a Malvern RTSizer indicated that increasing the liquid superficial velocity only increased the distribution of small droplets at the inlet. The droplet size distribution of the down sampling at a high dimensionless pressure was larger than that at a low dimensionless pressure, which can be explained by the droplet migration model. As the dimensionless pressure decreased, four flow regimes were experimentally observed: annular flow, churn flow-stratified flow, falling droplets, and pure gas. Electrical resistance tomography measurement results indicated that better convergence of the bubbly filament was achieved at a higher dimensionless pressure. • A pressure control scheme was proposed to make the GLCC realize fast and stable gas-liquid separation. • The droplet size distributions in the GLCC were investigated in detail. • Four types of flow regimes were experimentally observed as dimensionless pressure decreased. • Better convergence of the bubbly filament was achieved at a higher dimensionless pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Establishment of an HPLC-FLD method for monitoring glucose uptake using 2-NBDG. • Quantification of glucose uptake activity of metformin and fluorescent products. • Comparison of glucose uptake in HepG2, AML12, LO2, L6 and 3T3-L1 cells. Glucose is a primary source of energy used in most organisms. Thus, development of reliable approaches to measure intracellular glucose uptake is an important research issue. 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy- d -glucose (2-NBDG), as a fluorescent glucose derivative, has been widely used to track intracellular glucose uptake by fluorescence imaging and measuring in mammalian cells. However, the avoid-less cross-interference of intrinsic autofluorescence background and tested fluorescent compounds limits its ability to provide trustworthy information on intracellular glucose uptake. By the extraction, separation and detection of 2-NBDG, a simple, sensitive and accurate HPLC-FLD method was established and validated for the measurement of intracellular glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. The developed method has been employed successfully to assess the glucose uptake activity of anti-diabetic drugs and fluorescent natural products. A fit-for-purpose partial validation was further performed for quantification and comparison of glucose uptake in AML12, LO2 hepatocytes, L6 myoblasts and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-sea minerals are regarded as the most economically viable and promising mineral resource. Vertical hydraulic lifting represents one of the most promising methods for deep-sea mining lifting systems. To mitigate the potential for clogging due to the aggregation of particles in vertical pipe transport during deep-sea mining operations, this paper employs numerical simulations utilizing the computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) model to investigate the swirling flow transportation of mineral particles. The characteristics of the swirling flow field and the motion law of double-size particles at different swirling ratios are investigated. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison to axial transport within the pipeline, the particle movement observed in swirling flow transport exhibits an upward spiral trajectory. This phenomenon facilitates the orderly movement of particles, thereby enhancing the fluidization of particles within the pipeline. An increase in the swirling ratio (SR) has a considerable impact on the velocity within the pipe. The tangential velocity distribution undergoes a gradual transition from centrosymmetric to non-centrosymmetric as the distance from the inlet increases. An increase in the SR results in an enhanced aggregation of particles at the wall, accompanied by a notable rise in the local particle concentration. The value of SR = 0.3 represents a critical threshold. When SR exceeds this value, the distribution of particles in the cross-section reaches a relatively stable state, rendering it challenging to further alter the distribution and concentration of particles, even if the SR is augmented. Furthermore, the maximum local particle concentration in the vicinity of the wall tends to be stable. These results provide valuable insights into vertical pipe swirling flow transport for deep-sea mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel eccentric annular T-junction tubes was proposed for oil–water separation. • The eccentric annular T-junctions can achieve better overall separation performance than the regular T-junctions. • The developed numerical model can accurately predict the separation performance of eccentric annular T-junction tubes. • A comprehensive understanding of the effects of the operation parameters on the separation efficiency is obtained. A novel eccentric annular T-junction tube was designed for oil–water separation. The separation characteristics of the eccentric annular T-junction tube were investigated by performing experiments and numerical analyses. The Eulerian model combined with the standard k-ε turbulence model was used to numerically analyze the flow characteristics. Combining the dynamic separation principle of the T-junction tubes with the shallow pond theory, the eccentric annular T-junctions can achieve better overall separation performance than the regular T-junctions. The experimental results indicated that reducing the degree of mixing of the two-phases at the inlet improved the phase separation in the eccentric annular T-junction tubes. The flow pattern had a larger effect on the separation performance than the mixture velocity. The floating oil tube was beneficial to the oil–water separation, particularly at a low mixture velocity and high oil content. The results can be used for the design and operation of tube separators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons are the primary cells responsible for information processing in the central nervous system (CNS). However, they are vulnerable to damage and insult in a variety of neurological disorders. As the most abundant glial cells in the brain, astrocytes provide crucial support to neurons and participate in synapse formation, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter recycling, regulation of metabolic processes, and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier integrity. Though astrocytes play a significant role in the manifestation of injury and disease, they do not work in isolation. Cellular interactions between astrocytes and neurons are essential for maintaining the homeostasis of the CNS under both physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we explore the diverse interactions between astrocytes and neurons under physiological conditions, including the exchange of neurotrophic factors, gliotransmitters, and energy substrates, and different CNS diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. This review sheds light on the contribution of astrocyte-neuron crosstalk to the progression of neurological diseases to provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The breakup, coalescence, and migration regularity of droplets are focused on. • The existence of the flow reversal for the gas core is proved by ERT measurement results. • The numerical model considering droplets breakup and coalescence is developed. • The developed droplet migration model can accurately predict the separation performance of GLCC. The separation characteristics of the gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) has been investigated by experiment and numerical analysis. The droplet size and phase distributions were measured using Malvern RTsizer and electrical resistivity tomography, respectively. The Discrete Phase Model was used to numerically analyze the swirling hydrodynamics. The results showed that the separator with strong swirl intensity would not necessarily get better separation performance, and the nozzle with Ne = 5.9 performed best. The small and medium droplets tended to initially coalesce and subsequently break up with increased gas superficial velocity, whereas they always tended to coalesce with increased liquid superficial velocity. ERT measurement results proved the existence of the flow reversal for the gas core. Finally, a droplet migration model was developed based on the force analysis of droplet and the swirling hydrodynamics, which accurately predicted the separation performance of GLCC. These results can be used in the design of the GLCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia mediated neuronal inflammation has been widely reported to be responsible for neurodegenerative disease. Deacetyl ganoderic acid F (DeGA F) is a triterpenoid isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, which is a famous edible and medicinal mushroom used for treatment of dizziness and insomnia in traditional medicine for a long time. In this study the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of DeGA F against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation both in vitro and in vivo were investigated. On murine microglial cell line BV-2 cells, DeGA F treatment inhibited LPS-triggered NO production and iNOS expression and affected the secretion and mRNA levels of relative inflammatory cytokines. DeGA F inhibited LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of IKK and IκB and the nuclear translocation of P65. In vivo, DeGA F treatment effectively inhibited NO production in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, DeGA F suppressed the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated mice model. DeGA F reduced inflammatory response by suppressing microglia and astrocytes activation and also suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation in mice brains. Taken together, DeGA F exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effects and promising therapeutic potential for neural inflammation associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting RNA-protein binding sites is essential to gain a deeper comprehension of the protein-RNA interactions and their regulatory mechanisms, which are fundamental in gene expression and regulation. However, conventional biological approaches to detect these sites are often costly and time-consuming. In contrast, computational methods for predicting RNA protein binding sites are both cost-effective and expeditious. This review synthesizes already existing computational methods, summarizing commonly used databases for predicting RNA protein binding sites. In addition, applications and innovations of computational methods using traditional machine learning and deep learning for RNA protein binding site prediction during 2018–2023 are presented. These methods cover a wide range of aspects such as effective database utilization, feature selection and encoding, innovative classification algorithms, and evaluation strategies. Exploring the limitations of existing computational methods, this paper delves into the potential directions for future development. DeepRKE, RDense, and DeepDW all employ convolutional neural networks and long and short-term memory networks to construct prediction models, yet their algorithm design and feature encoding differ, resulting in diverse prediction performances. [Display omitted] • Help researchers better understand RNA-binding proteins and associated mechanisms. • Using computational methods to predict related sites is less costly and faster. • Summarize databases, present the applications and innovations from 2018 to 2022. • Compare differences of models in the design of algorithms and feature extracted. • Discuss the shortcomings and potential directions for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waves can induce motion in the floating platforms that support tidal turbines, affecting their hydrodynamic loads. To study the non-constant hydrodynamic of floating tidal turbines in a wave condition, this paper investigates the effect of pitch motion on the power coefficient (CP), thrust coefficient (CT), and wake flow of a tidal turbine using computational fluid dynamics. A pitch motion experiment is designed to verify the validity of the numerical method. The results show that the CP and CT exhibit periodic fluctuations under pitch motion, with the fluctuation period being consistent with the pitch period. Waves do not change the overall fluctuation trend of the CP and CT, but they do complicate the fluctuations and increase the likelihood of blade fatigue damage. Pitch motion reduces the mean power, with large-amplitude pitch motions particularly likely to result in severe power loss. The low-velocity region of the wake under pitch motion exhibits significant periodic oscillations. The wake is more susceptible to the pitch period than the pitch amplitude, and small-period pitch motions force the wake to deform earlier, accelerating wake vortex dissipation and velocity recovery. Increasing the immersion depth reduces the effect of waves on tidal turbine performance, but is not conducive to wake recovery. In summary, the rational design of the immersion depth and limiting the movement amplitude of the floating platform have the potential to prolong the working life of tidal turbines and increase their power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important structure for utilizing wave energy, the two-body floating point absorber (FPA) wave energy converter has a simple structure, high energy conversion rate, and wide frequency response range. In this paper, a heave motion model of two-body FPA wave energy converter was established. On this basis, the secondary development of AQWA software programming in Fortran language was conducted by reckoning in the power take-off (PTO) effect, and the motion simulation of the two-body FPA wave energy converter was realized. For the specific oscillating two-body FPA model, the study analysed the frequency domain hydrodynamic performance and the time domain motion characteristics of the device. The results showed that the numerical model was adequate to predict the motion performance of the two-body FPA. The maximum value of the heaving response amplitude operator (RAO) was reached with the frequency of 0.7–0.8 rad/s. As the wave period increased, the generated power of the two-body FPA initially increased and subsequently decreased. The stiffness coefficient has less effect on the generated power than the damping coefficient. The results and conclusions have reference significance for the development of new wave energy devices and the efficient and reliable utilization of wave energy. • The secondary development of AQWA software programming in Fortran language was conducted by reckoning in the PTO effect. • The sea area with the optimal wave period could be determined for the two-body FPA owing to the power characteristics. • The maximum value of the heaving response amplitude operator was reached with the frequency of 0.7–0.8 rad/s. • The time domain hydrodynamic performance of the two-body FPA under the action of regular and irregular waves was analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kuqa Mountain front area of Tarim is rich in oil and gas resources, but the development of ultra-deep rock salt formation is common, leading to a narrow safety density window and significant impacts on engineering operation safety and wellbore quality, such as overflow and leakage. Managed pressure drilling (MPD) is an effective solution to the problem of drilling in narrow density windows, and a precise wellbore pressure calculation method is essential to ensure the reasonable determination of MPD parameters. Conventional wellbore pressure models treat fluid properties as constant and do not consider the impact of ultra-deep rock salt formation on wellbore pressure calculation, leading to incomplete calculation accuracy that cannot fully meet engineering requirements. In this paper, an improved wellbore temperature field model coupled with the rock salt formation is established. Additionally, rheological experiments on drilling fluids used in the field are conducted and a prediction model for shear stress and density is established based on the varying degrees of temperature and pressure influences. Based on the temperature field of the wellbore and the rheological experimental, a wellbore pressure prediction model is established, and field application is conducted in Keshen Well X. By comparing the measured values, the overall error does not exceed 5%. Compared with neighboring blocks, the rate of penetration has been increased by 73.8%, and the drilling efficiency has been significantly improved. The use of wellbore pressure calculation method, which is studied in this paper, has facilitated efficient operations in drilling ultra-deep rock salt formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death (PCD) and ischemic stroke (IS) has been confirmed to be closely related to ferroptosis. The mechanisms of ferroptosis were summarized into three interrelated aspects: iron metabolism, lipid peroxide metabolism, as well as glutathione and amino acid metabolism. What’s more, the causal relationship between ferroptosis and IS has been elucidated by several processes. The disruption of the blood–brain barrier, the release of excitatory amino acids, and the inflammatory response after ischemic stroke all lead to the disorder of iron metabolism and the antioxidant system. Based on these statements, we reviewed the reported effects of compounds and drugs treating IS by modulating key molecules in ferroptosis. Through detailed analysis of the roles of these key molecules, we have also more clearly demonstrated the essential effect of ferroptosis in the occurrence of IS so as to provide new targets and ideas for the therapeutic targets of IS. Three abnormal cell metabolism pathways contribute to ferroptosis after ischemic stroke, and many key regulatory compounds in ferroptosis can play important therapeutic roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular bacterial infections pose enormous challenges to food safety and public health. Antibiotic-based polymer prodrugs have been used to treat intracellular bacterial infection. However, the overuse of antibiotics may lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In this work, we aimed to develop antibiotic-free pH-responsive polymeric prodrugs to combat intracellular S. aureus infection. Amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)- b -poly[(3-phenylprop-2-ene-1,1-diyl)bis(oxy)bis(enthane-2,1- diyl)diacrylate] (PEG- b -PCAE) was obtained by radical polymerization and they could self-assemble to form micelles. PEG- b -PCAE micelles could uptake by macrophage. Upon exposure to the acidic phagolysosome, PEG- b -PCAE micelles could release cinnamaldehyde (CA) through hydrolysis of the acetal linkage. PEG- b -PCAE could kill intracellular bacteria by damaging the bacterial membrane. Furthermore, PEG- b -PCAE micelles could generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages and subsequently activate immune system to clear bacteria by inducing macrophages differentiation to M1 phenotype. PEG- b -PCAE micelles could accelerate the wound healing process of the S. aureus -infected model in vivo. It is anticipated that multifunctional antibiotic-free PEG- b -PCAE micelles with intrinsic antibacterial activities hold promise for improved outcomes in intracellular S. aureus infections. [Display omitted] • pH-Responsive cinnamaldehyde-loaded polymer prodrugs were developed to combat intracellular bacterial infection. • PEG- b -PCAE eradicates intracellular bacteria by damaging the bacterial membrane and generating reactive oxygen species. • The polymer prodrugs could effectively activate immune system to clear bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ring-ribbed tank is the key equipment of cooling system of deep-sea manned submersible. The heat transfer characteristics of the outer wall and the heat transfer and flow characteristics of the inner flow channel of the ring-ribbed tank for different inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rates were studied through a water tank test. The results indicate that Nusselt number for the inner flow channel correlates with Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, while for the outer wall, it correlates with Grashof and Prandtl numbers with an overall error within 5%. A numerical study using the Realizable k-ε turbulence model and Boussinesq approximation of the flow-solid conjugate heat transfer is conducted, which can accurately determine the heat exchange capacity and the import and export differential pressure with an average relative error of 1.98% for hot water temperature and 7.73% for shell wall temperature. Additional simulations for determining the heat transfer capacity and flow resistance characteristics of the ring-ribbed tank in open water results demonstrate that the differential pressure and its coefficient are basically consistent with model test results. The cooling system can achieve a heat transfer rate of up to 17 kW with an external seawater flow velocity of approximately 2 knots. [Display omitted] • Heat transfer in ring-ribbed tank for deep-sea submersibles was analyzed experimentally. • Numerical simulation validates heat exchange capacity with 1.98% avg. Error. • Realizable k-ε turbulence model enhances prediction accuracy in cooling systems. • Optimized design achieves up to 17 kW heat transfer at 2 knots seawater flow velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks are hematophagous parasites that transmit an extensive range of pathogens to their vertebrate hosts. Ticks can destroy invading microorganisms or alleviate infection via their rudimentary but orchestrated innate immune system. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of tick innate immunity. Among these humoral effector molecules, defensins are well-studied and widely identified in various species of Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). This review was aimed at presenting the characterization of tick defensins from structure-based taxonomic status to antimicrobial function. Main text: All published papers written in English from 2001 to May 2022 were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases with the combination of relevant terms on tick defensins. Reports on identification and characterization of tick defensins were included. Of the 329 entries retrieved, 57 articles were finally eligible for our scoping review. Tick defensins mainly belong to the antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins of the cis-defensins superfamily. They are generally small, cationic, and amphipathic, with six cysteine residues forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Tick defensins primarily target membranes of a variety of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Since tick defensins have a high degree of variability, we summarize their common biological properties and enumerate representative peptides. Along with the various and potent antimicrobial activities, the role of tick defensins in determining vector competence is discussed. Conclusions: Due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, tick defensins are considered novel candidates or targets for controlling infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil and gas processing plays a crucial role in offshore oil production platforms. Swiftly predicting the effects of fluid parameters on the efficiency of oil-water separation is essential for enhancing the performance of swirl-vane separators. To investigate the behavior of oil-water two-phase flow, a Eulerian multiphase flow model was employed in this study coupled with the power-law non-Newtonian fluid model. Input variables including the oil volume fraction, oil density, inlet velocity, oil droplet particle size, oil droplet viscosity coefficient, and oil rheological index were selected with separation efficiency as the output variable. Based on the genetic algorithm, the backpropagation (BP) neural network was optimized to predict the effects of fluid parameters on the separation efficiency of a swirl-vane separator. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in prediction accuracy, exceeding 50 % at its maximum. Notably, oil density and volume fraction exhibited significant impacts on the swirl-vane separator. A multiple linear regression analysis of experimental and simulation results revealed that the volume fraction, inlet velocity, oil droplet particle size, and oil phase rheological index are positively correlated with separation efficiency. Conversely, the oil density and oil viscosity coefficient exhibited a negative correlation with separation efficiency. • The non-Newtonian oil-water swirling flow field in swirl-vane separators is analyzed. • The accuracy of the GA-BP algorithm and the BP algorithm for predicting oil-water separation efficiency are compared. • The correlation between fluid parameters and oil-water separation efficiency is established. • Guidance is provided for adjusting fluid parameters to improve oil-water separation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method of multi-objective optimization of the shape parameters was proposed for the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with both towed and self-propelled, aiming to reduce drag and enhance motion stability during navigation. In this study, the hydrodynamics calculation of AUV was conducted by CFD method covering a wide range of Reynolds number between 105 and 107, and the optimization was performed by NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm. Prior to deploying the optimization process, a sample library was created using the Latin hypercube sampling method to construct the Kriging approximation model. Thereafter, the model was used as the NSGA-II multi-objective optimization function, in which the range of design variables was considered to obtain the Pareto optimal solution. Furthermore, we also introduce and discuss the Pareto optimal points with special characteristics. In addition, the objective function values of these four optimal points were compared with the results of the initial model. The results showed that the drag at the four optimal points were reduced by 12.07%, 11.59%, 10.98% and 7.94%, respectively, and the overturning moments were reduced by 1.96%, 7.38%, 12.73% and 14.08%, respectively. The proposed multi-objective optimization method optimizes the shape of AUV effectively and provides valuable guidance for the design of AUV. • A new method of multi-objective optimization of the shape parameters is proposed for AUV. • Latin hypercube sampling and CFD methods are employed to obtain a surrogate model. • The multi-objective optimization is performed using the NSGA-II genetic algorithm. • The Pareto optimal points with special characteristics are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Salen-manganese complexes conjugated chito-oligosaccharide nanozyme possess synergistic antibacterial activity. • The nanozyme have enhanced superoxide- and catalase-like activity and could relieve oxidative stress. • The nanozyme could prevent macrophages from transforming into M1 phenotype and endow them anti-inflammatory effects. • The nanozyme could accelerate bacteria-infected skin wound healing. Skin wound healing remains a key challenge owing to its vulnerability to pathogen infection, oxidative stress and persistent inflammatory response. Herein, a salen-manganese complex (EUK)-based nanozyme was designed to simultaneously circumvent these barriers. The nanozyme was prepared by the amidation reaction between degradable chito-oligosaccharide (COS) and EUK. Positive charged COS and metallic compounds (EUK) could allow the nanozyme (COS-EUK) synergistic antibacterial activity. Due to the protection and synergistic catalytic enhancement effect provided by COS, superoxide (SOD)- and catalase (CAT)-like capability of COS-EUK was significantly improved compared with EUK. The nanozyme could eradicate not only O 2 − but also the generated H 2 O 2 , further supplying O 2 to promote fiber cell proliferation. Moreover, COS-EUK could prevent macrophages from transforming into classically activated macrophages (M1 phenotype), and endow them anti-inflammatory effects. COS-EUK can accelerate bacteria-infected skin wound healing. Thus, COS-EUK provides a promising strategy for bacteria-infected wound healing with great potential in clinical infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) residing in host macrophages is hard to clear because intracellular S. aureus has evolved mechanisms to hijack and subvert the immune response to favor intracellular infection. To overcome this challenge, nitrogen-phosphorous co-doped carbonized chitosan nanoparticles (NPCNs), which possess the polymer/carbon hybrid structures, were fabricated to clear intracellular S. aureus infection through chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Multi-heteroatom NPCNs were fabricated through the hydrothermal method, where chitosan and imidazole were used as the C and N sources and phosphoric acid as the P source. NPCNs can not only be used as a fluorescent probe for bacteria imaging but also kill extracellular and intracellular bacteria with low cytotoxicity. NPCNs could generate ROS and polarize macrophages into classically activated (M1) phenotypes to increase antibacterial immunity. Furthermore, NPCNs could accelerate intracellular S. aureus -infected wound healing in vivo. We envision that these carbonized chitosan nanoparticles may provide a new platform for clearing intracellular bacterial infection through chemotherapy and ROS-mediated immunotherapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, biochemical compositions changes and the related digestive enzymes activities were analyzed during development of eggs and yolk-sac larvae of turbot Scophthalmus maximus . Results showed that activities of pepsin and chymotrypsin increased on the whole, although small decreases occurred at gastrula stage. Trypsin activity presented the minimal value of 25.72 U/mg protein at blastula stage followed by obvious increase thereafter. Amylase activity was not detected until gastrula stage and increased later. As for lipase, it kept fluctuant tendency. The changes of digestive enzymes activities revealed the biochemical compositions dynamics. Both essential amino acids (EAA) and non-essential amino acids (NEAA) increased to the peak at blastula stage and decreased thereafter. Furthermore, the main components were leucine, lysine, valine, arginine and phenylalanine in EAA, and glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine and proline in NEAA. Free essential amino acids (FEAA) and non-essential amino acids (FNEAA) contents presented similar patterns of “decrease-increase-decrease-increase-decrease” as development went on, showing the maximal value of 271.00, 133.00 μg/g weight respectively at hatching day. Meanwhile, the main components were leucine, valine, threonine and lysine within FEAA, and alanine, tyrosine and serine within FNEAA. Regarding fatty acids contents, the quantitatively predominant fatty acids were C16:0 in saturates fatty acids (SFA), C18:1n-9 in monounsaturates fatty acids (MUFA), and C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6 (ARA) as well as C22:6n-3 (DHA) in polyunsaturates fatty acids (PUFA). Considering the utilization, there existed the preferential consumption of the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) from cleavage to blastula stages, from segmentation stage to hatching and from 1 days after hatching (DAH) to 2 DAH, and SFA in other periods. Within the UFA, PUFA were consumed at a higher rate than MUFA from cleavage stage to blastula stage as well as yolk-sac periods, while MUFA were used at a more rapid rate during the other days. As for the individual fatty acids, there was a preferential consumption of C16:0, C16:1n-7 and C20:5n-3 during ontogeny. Overall, the changeable biochemical compositions revealed that the predominant energy fuel is carbohydrates before cleavage stage, amino acids until gastrula stage and fatty acids until 2 DAH. The above results are very valuable for clarifying nutritional requirements of turbot embryos and larvae, and deeply understanding the developmental mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes activate and crosstalk with neurons influencing inflammatory responses following ischemic stroke. The distribution, abundance, and activity of microRNAs in astrocytes-derived exosomes after ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. In this study, exosomes were extracted from primary cultured mouse astrocytes via ultracentrifugation, and exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/re‑oxygenation injury to mimic experimental ischemic stroke. SmallRNAs from astrocyte-derived exosomes were sequenced, and differentially expressed microRNAs were randomly selected and verified by stem-loop real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We found that 176 microRNAs, including 148 known and 28 novel microRNAs, were differentially expressed in astrocyte-derived exosomes following oxygen glucose deprivation/re‑oxygenation injury. In gene ontology enrichment, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyses, and microRNA target gene prediction analyses, these alteration in microRNAs were associated to a broad spectrum of physiological functions including signaling transduction, neuroprotection and stress responses. Our findings warrant further investigating of these differentially expressed microRNAs in human diseases particularly ischemic stroke. • MicroRNAs in astrocytes derived exosomes play important roles in the regulation of cerebral ischemia. • Distinct changes of 176 microRNAs expression levels were found in astrocytes derived exosomes under OGD/R injury. • The target genes of identifided microRNAs engage in a variety of cellular processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residue contamination has become an urgent issue since it threatens both the natural environment and public health. In this study, a fluorescent method for detecting dithiocarbamate (DTC) compounds was constructed based on novel nickel nanoclusters (Ni NCs) and copper ions (Cu2+). The water-soluble fluorescent Ni NCs were synthesized for the first time through a one-pot method using glutathione as stabilizer and ascorbic acid as reducing agent. The as-prepared Ni NCs exhibited a maximum fluorescence emission at 445 nm when excited by 380 nm. And they displayed aggregation-induced emission enhancement when ethylene glycol was introduced into the nanocluster aqueous solution. Based on the Ni NCs, a label-free fluorescence quenching sensor was established for sensitive and selective detection of DTC compounds with the assistance of Cu2+. The complex formed by DTC and Cu2+ led to fluorescence quenching of Ni NCs through inner filter effect. The sensing method was successfully applied to two typical DTC compounds, thiram and disulfiram, with good linearity over a wide linear range and a low detection limit. Moreover, the proposed approach was capable of thiram detection in real samples, which confirms the potential of this sensing method as a platform for DTC compound detection. [Display omitted] • Fluorescent GSH-Ni NCs with AIEE behavior were for the first time synthesized. • A fluorescent sensor for DTC compounds was developed based on the Ni NCs with the aid of Cu2+. • The first fluorescent sensing method for disulfiram was constructed. • The sensing mechanism was proved to be IFE between Ni NCs and Cu2+-DTC complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The latest progress in core–shell nanostructures for rapid SERS detection of pesticide residues is present. • The strengths and shortages of emerging core–shell SERS substrates are evaluated. • Future perspectives of novel SERS method together with core–shell nanostructures are discussed. Pesticide residues as an enormous menace to human health and environment have gained increasing attention in recent years. Powerful analytical methods are of great significance to monitor the levels of pesticide residues. Whereby, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with its outstanding performance in ultra-sensitivity, non-destructive and the capability for molecular fingerprint has been employed in the relevant research. In more recent studies, core–shell nanostructures with multiple components have been applied as novel SERS substrates to accelerate the advancement of pesticide detection. Here, we provide a comprehensive review about the latest progress in the development of core–shell nanostructures for rapid SERS detection of pesticide residues. Various core–shell nanostructures are classified into metal and non-metal shell types including Au@Ag, Fe 3 O 4 @noble metal, SiO 2 @noble metal, noble metal@SiO 2 and others. Beyond reviewing different enhancement mechanisms of SERS, we also evaluate their strengths and shortages. Moreover, the feasibility of early-warning analysis of frequently used pesticides including carbamate, organophosphate, nitrogen heterocycle, pyrethroid and others are highlighted. It is expected that this review article will provides a clear reference for the future development of core–shell SERS substrates, and especially for applying them in various fields such as food safety, environmental monitoring, and agriculture protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes numerical simulations of the series and parallel water entry of supersonic projectiles with different head shapes, entry velocities, interval times, and interval distances. We focus on the cavity geometry and the drag force characteristics of the projectiles. For projectiles entering the water in series, no cavity is formed by the second projectile. This second projectile impacts and penetrates the water jet, and moves inside the cavity formed by the first projectile. Moreover, the impact drag force coefficient of the second projectile is significantly smaller than that of a single projectile entering the water with the same entry conditions. The cavitation drag force coefficient of the second projectile fluctuates. In the case of projectiles entering the water in parallel, the impact drag force coefficient is slightly smaller than that of single-projectile water entry. After the projectiles impact the water, the drag force coefficient declines sharply, increases again to form a small peak, and then reduces to an approximately constant value that is slightly larger than that of a single projectile entering the water. Additionally, although the outside boundary of the parallel water entry cavity shows a similar shape to that of single-projectile water entry, the blockage effect causes the inside boundary to form an approximately straight line. • Numerical simulations of supersonic projectiles series/parallel water entry under different conditions are conducted. • For projectiles entering the water in series, the cavitation drag force coefficient of the second projectile fluctuates. • The cavitation drag force coefficient of parallel water entry is slightly larger than that of a single projectile water entry. • The blockage effect causes the inside boundary of the cavity to form an approximate straight line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between cnoidal waves and a concentric cylindrical structure with an arc-shaped outer wall has been investigated theoretically using eigenfunction expansion approach. The arc-shaped outer cylinder is permeable and thin, protecting the porous dual-cylinder structure. Three cylinders are surface-piercing and rigidly installed on the flat bottom of an ocean. Analytical solutions were obtained based on the first approximation to cnoidal waves. A series of linear equations pertaining to unknown coefficients were solved using matching boundary conditions. Hydrodynamic forces on the cylinders and the diffracted wave faces around the cylinders were evaluated, and the effects of water depth, annular spacing, angle of incidence and structure configuration including the porosity parameter of the cylinders and the opening angle are illustrated via numerical results. The numerical results obtained for limiting cases agreed well with published results for a solid cylinder. The results indicated that the wave forces on the inner structure did not change significantly when the opening angle was greater than 2 π ∕ 3. The hydrodynamic loads on the inner cylinder of the concentric cylindrical structure were significantly lower than the wave force on a single cylinder. Moreover, the value of wave force on the inner cylinder of a concentric dual-cylinder structure with an arc-shaped outer wall was similar to that on the inner cylinder of a concentric two-cylinder system. • Cnoidal wave interaction with a concentric system is investigated. • The arc-shaped cylinder works well to protect the interior structure. • The wave forces become stable as the opening angle exceeds a fixed angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A facile, sustainable self-sacrifice template strategy has been disclosed for the synthesis of porous Co@CN. • This strategy is easily scalable, and can be generally applicable to prepare other transition-metal@CN catalysts. • There is the first example on the synthesis of porous Co@CN derived from biomass for the oxidative esterification of HMF. • Zn plays dual roles as the sacrificial template and acid-base site regulator in the synthetic and catalytic processes. A newly developed, facile and sustainable self-sacrifice template strategy, in which zinc and chitosan were used as the sacrificial template and carbon source respectively, has been disclosed for the synthesis of a hollow Co-embedded in nitrogen-doped graphite (Co@CN) structure. This material exhibits excellent catalytic efficiency in the oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylicacid dimethyl ester that is a significant raw material for polymer synthesis. According to the experimental and calculation results, zinc as the self-sacrificial template and acid-base site regulator has significantly improved the performance of the catalyst. The high specific surface area owing to the partial evaporation of zinc and the optimization of basic and acid sites in the catalyst prove to be the main reasons for its high activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical flower-like WO 3 with exposed active {-112} facets synthesized using a microwave-assisted gas-liquid interfacial solvothermal method shows a superior triethylamine gas sensing performance at room temperature. • The flower-like WO 3 with exposed active {-112} facets can be controllably synthesized using a microwave-assisted method. • {-112} faceted WO 3 shows the best gas sensing response to trimethylamine at room temperature with excellent selectivity. • Our results evidence the strategy to improve the gas sensing performance of metal oxides through surface engineering. • The as-prepared gas sensor qualifies the great potential for trimethylamine practical detection and monitoring. Effective detection of triethylamine (TEA) is important for the human health and environment, while challenging. In this study, a novel hierarchical flower-like WO 3 nanomaterial was synthesized using a microwave-assisted gas-liquid interface method. The morphology and exposed facets of WO 3 nanomaterials can be manipulated through the control of the volume ratio between the water and ethylene glycol (EG) during the synthesis. Our results demonstrate that the samples prepared with water/EG ratio of 8:32 are mainly exposed {-112} facets, which have the best gas sensing response of 180.7 to 100 ppm TEA at room temperature (RT). Its superior gas sensing performance and stability are also evidenced by the short recovery speed of 72 s to 100 ppm TEA at RT. More importantly, our experiments revealed an excellent selectivity in terms to other volatile organic compounds and further confirmed by the first-principles theoretical results. The outcomes of this study suggest that the surface engineering technique is a promising approach to improve the gas sensing performance of metal oxides gas sensor and show great potential for TEA practical detection and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug resistance is a principal limiting factor in cancer treatment. CTR-DB, the Cancer Treatment Response gene signature DataBase, is the first data resource for clinical transcriptomes with cancer treatment response, and meanwhile supports various data analysis functions, providing insights into the molecular determinants of drug resistance. Here we proposed an upgraded version, CTR-DB 2.0 (http://ctrdb.ncpsb.org.cn). Around 190 up-to-date source datasets with primary resistance information (129% increase compared to version 1.0) and 13 acquired-resistant datasets (a new dataset type), covering 10 856 patient samples (111% increase), 39 cancer types (39% increase) and 346 therapeutic regimens (26% increase), have been collected. In terms of function, for the single dataset analysis and multiple-dataset comparison modules, CTR-DB 2.0 added new gene set enrichment, tumor microenvironment (TME) and signature connectivity analysis functions to help elucidate drug resistance mechanisms and their homogeneity/heterogeneity and discover candidate combinational therapies. Furthermore, biomarker-related functions were greatly extended. CTR-DB 2.0 newly supported the validation of cell types in the TME as predictive biomarkers of treatment response, especially the validation of a combinational biomarker panel and even the direct discovery of the optimal biomarker panel using user-customized CTR-DB patient samples. In addition, the analysis of users' own datasets, application programming interface and data crowdfunding were also added., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.)

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which manifests as oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen degradation. Multiple approaches (topical or systemic retinoids, antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, laser, surgery) are used in the treatment of photoaged skin, and the use of topical retinoids is currently a primary clinical treatment. Previous studies revealed that retinoic acid promotes keratinocyte proliferation and reduces melanin deposition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion; it also causes potential allergic and inflammatory damage to the skin. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of trifarotene, a functional retinoic acid analog, on UV-irradiated photoaging ICR and BALB/c nude mice and UVB photodamaged human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells by examining indicators such as collagen, oxidoreductase, and inflammatory factor presence through histochemical staining, Western blot, and ELISA. Results suggested that trifarotene significantly reduced UV-induced photoaging in mouse skin tissue, potentially by reducing oxidative stress damage and inflammatory factor release, and inhibiting melanin deposition and collagen degradation by downregulating MMP expression. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, tyrosinase, interleukin-6, interleukin- 12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in photoaged skin decreased, while SOD content in photodamaged HaCaT cells significantly increased. Trifarotene (3.3 μmol L-1) inhibited phosphorylated JNK and c-Jun expression both independently and collaboratively with the JNK activator anisomycin, demonstrating that trifarotene mitigates UV-induced collagen degradation and apoptosis through inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun/MMPs signaling pathway., (© 2024 Xuan Fei et al., published by Sciendo.)