Search

Highlights • Pectin was extracted from orange peel using surfactant and microwave assisted method. • Pectin yield, GA content, and DE were considered during Box–Behnken design. • Chemical properties of pectin extracted by different methods were compared. • S-MAE showed the best effect on the yield and characteristics of extracted pectin. Abstract Surfactant and microwave assisted extraction (S-MAE) was used for pectin extraction from orange peel. First, we optimized the conditions of microwave assisted extraction (MAE), e.g., irradiation time, liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), and pH on pectin yield (PY), galacturonic acid (GA) content, and degree of esterification (DE) using a Box-Behnken design. Under optimal conditions (pH 1.2, 7.0 min, and 21.5 v/w LSR), we obtained a PY of 28.0 ± 0.5%, which was close to the predicted value (31.1%). Second, we analyzed the effect of surfactant on microwave extraction of pectin. Among the surfactants investigated, Tween-80 (8 g/L, w/v) increased PY by 17.0%. Compared with conventional solvent extraction, S-MAE is a novel and efficient method for pectin extraction, which generated a higher (p < 0.05) PY (32.8%), GA content (78.1%), DE (69.8%), and M w (286.3 kDa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource failures may happen in automated manufacturing systems (AMSs) because of different reasons in the real world, making most existing deadlock control policies unapplicable. This paper develops methods for the robust deadlock control of AMSs with unreliable resources based on Petri nets. The considered AMSs are modeled with generalized systems of simple sequential processes with resources (GS3PR). First, a method based on reachability graph partition technique is provided to analyze the robust legal markings and the forbidden ones in an unreliable GS3PR (U-GS3PR), in which resource failures and recovery procedures are modeled with recovery subnets. Then, the control problem for such a system is converted into a problem for controlling the forbidden states in a U-GS3PR and control places can be designed by solving the maximal number of forbidden markings problems. Since the robust legal reachability spaces computed may be nonconvex and such a system cannot be optimally controlled by the conjunctions of linear constraints, we propose an interval-inhibitor-arc-based robust deadlock control policy for a system with nonconvex legal reachability spaces by solving the maximal number of ${t_{q}}$ -critical marking/transition separation instances problems (MNTMPs(${t_{q}}$)). Finally, examples are presented to demonstrate the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Text classification is an important way to handle and organize textual data. Among existing methods of text classification, semi-supervised clustering is a main-stream technique. In the era of 'Big data', the current semi-supervised clustering approaches for text classification generally do not apply for excessive costs in scalability and computing performance for massive text data. Aiming at this problem, this study proposes a scalable text classification algorithm for large-scale text collections, namely D-TESC by modifying a state-of-the-art semi-supervised clustering approach for text classification in a centralized fashion (TESC). D-TESC can process the textual data in a distributed manner to meet a great scalability. The experimental results indicate that (1) the D-TESC algorithm has a comparable classification quality with TESC, and (2) outperforms TESC by average 7.2 times by using eight CPU threads in terms of scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple, sensitive, and rapid analytical method was developed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) for the determination of nootkatone in normal and chronic kidney disease (CKD) rat plasma using clarithromycin as internal standard. After sample preparation by simple liquid–liquid extraction, chromatography was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 mm particle size) using gradient elution with the mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and water acidified with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. Detection was achieved by electrospray ionisation MS under the multiple selective reaction monitoring mode. The linear range was 0.01‒500 ng/mL with the square regression coefficient (r) of 0.9975. The lower limit of quantification was 0.01 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision was under 5% and the stability accuracy was between 3.6 and 7.0%. The average recoveries from spiked plasma samples were >83% and matrix effect was over 81%. The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of nootkatone in normal and CKD rats after an oral administration of 50 mg/kg nootkaone. The results showed the cmax and area under curve of nootkaone were greatly decreased, meanwhile Vd/F and t1/2 were markedly increased in CKD rats. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of nootkatone in rats were significantly altered in CKD rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the effect of Shenfu injection (SFI) in Wistar rats with acute obstructive cholangitis (AOC) and considered the possible molecular mechanisms of the effects. Methods: The 96 rats were divided randomly into three groups. In one group, the common bile duct was subjected to ligation (BDL), and 0.2 mL of saline was injected into the proximal bile ducts. To create AOC, again, the common bile duct was ligated, and 0.2 mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) (2 mg/mL) was injected into the proximal ducts. In the Shenfu injection (SFI) group, the material (10 mg/kg) was injected into the tail vein 2 hours before induction of AOC. The hepatic histopathologic changes were observed under a light microscope. The endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), alanine transaminase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TB) concentrations in the serum were measured at different time points (0, 4, 8, and 16 hours) after ligation. The expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and CD14 in Kupffer cells also was analyzed at different times by Western blotting. Results: The TNF-α, ALT, and TB concentrations in the serum and the expression of CD14 and NF-κB in Kupffer cells were significantly higher in the SFI group than in the BDL group, but all were significantly lower than in the AOC group. Compared with the AOC group, the edema of cholangiocytes was alleviated in the SFI group, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells around cholangiocytes was reduced. Conclusion: Shenfu injection significantly alleviated bile duct injury. The potential mechanism may be associated with inhibition of CD14 expression and prevention of NF-κB activation in Kupffer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A zonal current irrigation schedule is generalized with data mining. • Simulation units reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of multi-factors are generated. • Parameters in multi-modules are calibrated based on a global sensitivity analysis. • The distributed model is validated using multisource and multiscale data. • The ET and crop yields of a rotation field at the regional scale are simulated. The agro-hydrological Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant-WOrld-FOod-STudy (SWAP-WOFOST) model in a distributed manner represents an important tool for evaluating agro-hydrological cycles and irrigation strategies at different spatiotemporal scales. The reliability of the model simulations and evaluations is dependent on the generation of the distributed simulation units that account for the spatial heterogeneity of various factors, as well as parameter calibration and model validation. In this study, we focused on the most typical overexploited deep groundwater area in the North China Plain (NCP). First, the extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (EFAST) was used to conduct global sensitivity analyses for three modules in the SWAP-WOFOST model to identify the parameters that significantly influence the objective variables for calibration at the six experimental stations in the study area. On this basis, the parameters were calibrated and validated in detail using abundant observed data from each station. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values for soil water content, soil salt concentration, winter wheat leaf area index (LAI), winter wheat aboveground biomass, winter wheat yield, summer maize LAI, summer maize aboveground biomass and summer maize yield were 14.93%, 27.20%, 24.60%, 25.27%, 23.12%, 24.55%, 21.33% and 17.94%, respectively, during the calibration period; and the corresponding NRMSE values were 16.26%, 29.36%, 24.20%, 22.75%, 21.77%, 22.03%, 24.38% and 18.62%, respectively, during the validation period. The model provided a good simulation for the soil water contents and summer maize yields and a fair simulation for the other objective variables. Furthermore, a distributed SWAP-WOFOST model was generated by overlaying 12 maps involving meteorology, soil, crops, land use, water resources and administrative divisions, yielding 2809 simulation units. Finally, the simulation accuracy of the distributed model was evaluated under the current irrigation conditions. The results showed that the simulated yields of winter wheat and summer maize were consistent with the statistical values, and the simulated evapotranspiration matched the remote sensing data with acceptable precision. In summary, the distributed SWAP-WOFOST model could be used as an effective tool for simulating crop water productivity in time and space under limited irrigation scenarios and for evaluating the effect of optimized limited irrigation schemes on reducing deep groundwater exploitation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The distributed agro-hydrological model is used to quantify limited irrigation. • Crop water productivity variations under limited irrigation are characterized. • Irrigation scheme with yield-constraint to minimize evapotranspiration is optimized. • Recommended irrigation timing could maximize both wheat yield and water productivity. • The optimized schemes could achieve water saving and stable water productivity. The east-central North China Plain (NCP) is a globally representative area that presents a sharp contradiction between deep groundwater exploitation and grain production. Evaluating the effects of limited irrigation on crop water productivity (WP) and deep groundwater exploitation reduction in this area is important for developing sustainable agricultural practices. In this study, the 11 limited irrigation scenarios were simulated and analyzed using the distributed Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant-WOrld-FOod-STudy (SWAP-WOFOST) model that was established, calibrated and validated in a companion paper; the recommended irrigation timing for maximizing the yield or WP of winter wheat was selected; the irrigation scheme for minimizing evapotranspiration constrained by 14 winter wheat yield reduction thresholds was optimized separately; and further the effects of the optimized irrigation scheme on saving water and reducing deep groundwater exploitation were evaluated. The results showed that the recommended irrigation timing was predominantly in the pre-sowing, booting to anthesis and early grain-filling stages for three irrigations, the pre-sowing and booting to anthesis stages for two irrigations, and the booting to anthesis stage for one irrigation. Adopting the optimized irrigation scheme with the threshold of 60% could achieve the goal of reducing deep groundwater exploitation by 6.05 × 108 m3 but reduced winter wheat yield by approximately 50%. The contribution index of reducing exploitation (CIRE) was defined to identify the contribution of implementing the optimized irrigation scheme to reducing current deep groundwater exploitation. At the related water resource subregional level, the CIRE values showed that this contribution was relatively higher in the related Tuhai and Majia Rivers plain (THMJHP), the related plain of the Zhangwei River basin (ZWHP) and the related plain of the Ziya River basin (ZYHP). Following the framework of simulation-optimization-evaluation, the three results at the manageable county level, namely, the optimized irrigation scheme under the constraint of 14 thresholds, the crop yield variation compared with the current irrigation schedule and the CIRE values, provide decision-making references for implementing limited irrigation for winter wheat under local conditions to achieve the target of deep groundwater exploitation reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether a lyrically based musical intervention, the theme song for change, or a positive writing exercise would impact participants' emotional state-based components when thinking about the achievement of a short-term goal. Fifty participants (N = 46) were randomly assigned to either the theme song for change condition (n = 25) or the writing condition (n = 21). Before the intervention, participants in both conditions individually selected a short-term goal that they could achieve within two weeks. Participants completed a pretest, developed their short-term goal, received one of the two conditions, then completed the posttest. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA found significant increases in vitality for the theme song group. Both theme song and positive writing groups significantly increased the participants' positive affect and decreased their worry. Further, only the participants in the theme song group had experienced significant impacts on decreasing negative affect and anxiety and increasing euthymia. Limitations and clinical implications of the findings are discussed. • Use of the theme song intervention significantly increases vitality. • Theme song and/or positive writing usage significantly increases positive affect. • Theme song usage decreases negative affect, anxiety, and euthymia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the convenience and efficiency of social networks in information diffusion, many studies have been conducted during the past decades. Many models are adopted to understand the message spreading process in social networks. Unfortunately, these models are not suitable for social networks with decaying attention. It remains to be demonstrated whether there exists a diffusion threshold if a phenomenon of decaying attention is introduced. In this paper, we propose a message spreading model for social networks by introducing decaying attention and modifying the duplicate forwarding model. Based on this model, we define and theoretically analyze the user influence through generating functions. We further investigate the diffusion threshold and prove its existence and uniqueness. Simulation results show that user influence in this model is efficient, and analysis of user influence and diffusion thresholds demonstrate its accuracy and promising. • To propose a novel message spreading model with decaying attention for social networks. • The User influence is theoretically analyzed, and the existence and uniqueness of the diffusion threshold are shown. • Simulations and detailed analysis show the efficiency of the user influence in this model, and the experimental results analyzed demonstrate its accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement of catalysts performance by structural modification is a well recognised and more reliable way in catalysis. Amide derived catalysts were already used in olefin polymerization but possessed many limitation regarding to their poor thermal stability and mostly generating low molecular weight oligomers. Steric and electronic factors have played a characteristic role to control the catalyst stability, activity, molecular weight and branch densities of the polymers. So in continuity of our interest to improve the performance of olefin polymerization catalysts, we contributed here by synthesized cationic nickel catalysts (Ni1–Ni3) by simple amidation of picolinoyl chloride with sterically bulky and electronically varied anilines. Effect of steric and electronic factors also has been explored. Compared with previously reported sterically open pyridine carboxamidate nickel catalysts, these bulky nickel catalysts have two orders of magnitude higher activity of up to 3.73× 106 g (mol Ni)−1 h−1 towards ethylene polymerization and thermal stability up to 80 °C, producing higher molecular weight semi-crystalline polyethylene with tunable branching densities (17–67 branches/1000C) and melting points (65–121 °C). Moreover, these cationic nickel catalysts also promote the copolymerization of ethylene and methyl 10-undecenoate (MU) to afford polar functionalized polyethylenes with maximum incorporation of MU up to 1.53 mol%. A series of bulky pyridine carboxamidate nickel complexes bearing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were synthesized. The introduction of the bulky ortho- dibenhydryl substituents led to high thermal stability up to 80 °C and high activities reaching 3.73 × 106 g PE (mol Ni h)−1 towards ethylene polymerization, producing polyethylene with tunable branching densities (17–67 branches/1000C) and melting points (65–121 °C). Comonomer incorporation of up to 1.53 mol% was achieved in ethylene/methyl 10-undecenoate copolymerization. [Display omitted] • A series of bulky pyridine carboxamidate nickel catalysts bearing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents were synthesized. • The introduction of the bulky ortho- dibenhydryl substituents led to high thermal stability and high activities towards ethylene polymerization. • The obtained polyethylene with tunable branching densities (17–67 branches/1000C) and melting points (65–121 °C). • Comonomer incorporation of up to 1.53 mol% was achieved in ethylene/methyl 10-undecenoate copolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure modulation is of great significance for the practical application of TiAl alloys. Here, the optimal annealing temperature to obtain modulated microstructure containing nanoscale α 2 + O lathes for high Nb-TiAl alloy is determined as 625 °C by dilatometry (DIL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The results show that the compressive strength and plastic strain increased by 5% and 15.8% after annealing at 625 °C for 5 h, respectively. The improvement of both strength and ductility owing to the improved elastically mediated strain transfer ability related to refined microstructure in modulated structure. Geometric phase analysis (GPA) and HRTEM results show that the rough interface between tweed laths and γ lamella provides nucleation sites for dislocations which release the local elastic strain energy. What's more, the formation of nanoscale deformation twins as well as extensive twin intersections also played an important role in the improvement of both strength and ductility. • The optimal annealing temperature to obtain orthorhombic phase for Ti-45Al-8Nb alloy is 625 °C. • After annealing at 625 ℃ for 5h, the compressive strength and plastic strain increased by 5% and 15.8%, respectively. • The improved "elastically mediated" strain transfer ability in modulated alloy results in improved mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the static and kinetic properties of defects play fundamental roles in determining the physical properties of semiconductors. Compared to the static properties of defects, a comprehensive understanding of the different defects diffusing in different types of semiconductors is still lacking. In this article, based on extensive first-principles calculations, we have done a comparative study on the diffusion mechanisms of point defects in Si (a typical elemental semiconductor) and GaN (a typical compound semiconductor). The significantly different diffusion mechanisms of vacancies and interstitials in Si and GaN result in significantly different recombination mechanisms, i.e., a novel synergistic effect to accelerate the annihilation of defects is observed in Si but not in GaN, indicating that an efficient self-recovery mechanism can exist in Si but not in GaN. Our results not only explain some experimental observations in Si and GaN under nonequilibrium irradiation conditions but also provide a good example to understand the different kinetic properties of defects in elemental and compound semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize and rice were domesticated from their wild progenitors independently. Whether their convergent phenotypic selection was driven by conserved molecular changes remains unclear. We discuss the implications of a recent genome-wide study of convergently selected maize and rice genes showing that maize KERNEL ROW NUMBER2 (KRN2) and its rice ortholog experienced convergent selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinnitus is the phantom perception of sound and can have negative effect on the quality of life. Sudden deafness is generally defined as sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies and within a three-day period, which is usually unilateral and can be associated with tinnitus. The exact pathogenesis of such auditory diseases is still unknown, and alterations in the functional connectivity of the brain network are suspected to involve one possible pathogenesis. Scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis is a common approach to capture brain neural activity. This paper conducts a twofold study in terms of brain network analysis for auditory diseases based on EEG data. Specifically, the brain network is constructed in view of the phase lag index (PLI) between signals. The unsupervised study is first conducted via the unsupervised network community detection algorithm. The goal is to reveal the underlying characteristics of functional connectivity concerning subjects with and without auditory diseases from the brain network perspective. The second study is the supervised learning. A new strategy termed FBA (Features from Brain Areas) is proposed to abstract each brain network as a feature vector and the supervised classification method, i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM) is utilized to perform the three-class classification concerning the regular control group, tinnitus patient group and sudden deafness patient group. Extensive experiments have been conducted on totally 146 subjects including 41 regular controls, 51 sudden deafness patients and 54 tinnitus patients. The results show the necessary of the unsupervised study that may shed light on the pathogenesis and the classification performed in the supervised study may serve as a portable detection method for auditory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the existence of secondary hardening behavior in Ti–10V–2Fe–3Al (wt.%) (Ti-1023) for the first time. Through controlling the ageing temperature window between 550 °C and 575 °C, alloys are found to show the existence of two hardness peaks with aging time. This heat treatment with secondary hardening phenomenon exhibits unusual increase of hardness and strength. Further experimental observations show that the first hardness peak corresponds with the well precipitated α phase at very short time. Further increase of aging time does not influence the morphology of these intragranular α precipitates, but accompanying with a continuous composition change, which could be the origin of the secondary hardness peak. This structure change followed by composition diffusion is the typical characteristic of pseudospinodal mechanism. Phase field and ab-initio calculations based on pseudospinodal mechanism analyze the detailed microstructure/composition evolution and related solid solution strength, which confirm the role of composition on the appearance of secondary hardening behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently much endeavor has been devoted to improving pervaporation performances of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes for organic aqueous solutions by doping hydrophobic porous particles. However, the strategy generally promotes water permeation as well, which is contrary to the separation purpose but has not caused researchers' attention. Here, a novel strategy was proposed to improve pervaporation performance by promoting organic permeation and simultaneously inhibiting water permeation via doping organophilic porous particles that have hydrogen bonding interaction sites in pore channels. To test this strategy, COF-300 was synthesized and blended with PDMS to form mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Pore size distribution, FT-IR, XPS and water adsorption results demonstrated the presence of hydrophilic amino and aldehyde groups in COF-300. Meanwhile, the COF-300 exhibited ultrahigh affinity toward furfural with a maximum adsorption capacity of 525.3 mg g−1 at 80 °C. Pervaporation experiments showed that COF-300 promoted permeations of furfural and other organics including aniline, butanol, ethanol and phenol but inhibited water transport. The reduced water permeability was attributed to the hydrogen bonding between water molecule and COF-300, which increased the mass transfer resistance of water molecules. Compared to the pure PDMS membrane, the 8 wt% COF-300/PDMS MMM displayed an increment of 14.1% in furfural permeability but a diminution of 20.0% in water permeability when separating a 1.0 wt% furfural aqueous solution at 80 °C. As a result, an increase of 42.7% in the furfural selectivity was obtained, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed strategy and the high potential of COF-300 in fabricating MMMs for pervaporation separation of organic aqueous solutions. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • PDMS/COF-300 matrix mixed pervaporation membranes were prepared. • COF-300 greatly enhances furfural solubility in mixed matrix membranes. • PDMS/COF-300 membranes show high permeabilities to organics due to high organo-affinity and open pore channels of COF-300. • Water transport is limited because of hydrogen bonding between water and COF-300. • COF-300 increases furfural/water selectivity by 42.7% of the pristine PDMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The backward stimulated Brillouin scattering in the optical fiber leads to a forward peaked Rayleigh scattering light with the same frequency shift. A dual-frequency comb is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, in which the frequency difference is equal to the Brillouin frequency shift. Further, a temperature measurement scheme is design based on the novel dual-frequency comb, where the radio-frequency (RF) signal is directly detected; neither high frequency photo detector or extra Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure is required. The beaten RF signal is of narrower linewidth because the related phases are reduced, which enhances the measurement with a higher resolution. The measurement structured is demonstrated, in which the sensitivity of temperature measurement is 1.08 MHz ∕ ∘ C , same as the MZI structure, while the resolution is improved to 4.5 times compared to the traditional structure in the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ag NPs were prepared by the reaction of silver nitrate with alkali hydrolyzed pectin at microwave irradiation. • Small size spherical Ag NPs were produced with average sizes of 2.9 nm and 11.9 nm depending on microwave time. • Obtained Ag NPs colloidal solution were well stable with Zeta potential of near −40 mV. • MICs of Ag NPs against both E. coli and S. aureus were equally at 80–160 µg/ml. Abstract In this work, monodispersed silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared by the reaction of silver nitrate with alkali hydrolyzed pectin at microwave irradiation. Two types of Ag NPs were obtained under the following conditions: 400 W of microwave power, 1 g/l NaOH, 2 g/l pectin, 10 mmol/l AgNO 3 , and irradiation time for 1 and 2 min, respectively. The zeta potential values of Ag NPs colloidal solutions were −39.6 and −38.7 mV, indicating that these nanoparticles were stable. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed these spherical Ag NPs with an average size 2.90 and 11.94 nm, respectively. Ag NPs exhibited potent antibacterial and antifungal activities to against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Aspergillus japonicus , and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC) to against E. coli and S. aureus were equally at 80–160 µg/ml. In a word, this is a green, efficient, and cost-effective method for Ag NPs synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Anisotropic polyurethane foam was prepared and subjected to compression at various strain rates and loading angles. • Dynamic tests were performed using a modified Hopkinson bar device, with force equilibrium in specimen examined. • The overall stress–strain response and the deformation mode of cells vary significantly with loading rate and direction. • Several material parameters were examined to characterize the mechanical properties of PU foam. Abstract Polyurethane (PU) foam can display mechanical anisotropy because of elongation of cells in the vertical direction when component liquid chemicals are mixed to generate PU foam. Existing studies on the anisotropic mechanical response of PU foam appear limited, particularly for high strain-rate loading. In this investigation, a PU foam with an apparent density of 36.5 kg/m3 was fabricated, and 40 mm cubic specimens were cut at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° to the foam-rise direction, and subjected to quasi-static (0.0042–0.42 s−1 global strain rate) and dynamic (∼190 s−1 global strain rate) compression, to identify the effects of loading direction and strain rate on the resulting mechanical response. Dynamic compression tests were performed using a modified Hopkinson bar device, with force equilibrium in the foam specimens examined and validated via finite element modelling. The overall stress–strain response, as well as the deformation modes, varies significantly with loading direction. For compression along the foam-rise direction (0°), deformation of foam cells is dominated by unstable buckling of cell struts; this leads to deformation localization and subsequent layer-by-layer crushing. The corresponding overall stress–strain response displays a brief post-yield strain softening phase, generated by the initiation and development of localized deformation in the first cell layer to collapse. This is followed by a protracted stress plateau, whereby localized crushing propagates layer-by-layer through the specimen. For compression along the transverse direction (90°), deformation of foam cells is characterized by stable bending of cell struts, leading to uniform deformation within the foam specimen, accompanied by gradual post-yield hardening in the overall stress–strain response. For compression at various inclinations (e.g. 30°, 45°, 60°) to the foam-rise direction, foam cells deform via a combination of buckling and bending of cell struts, and the overall stress–strain response lies between that corresponding to compression along the foam-rise and the transverse directions. With respect to the influence of strain rate, a higher deformation rate generates a stiffer and stronger overall stress–strain response. Several material parameters — i.e. overall elastic stiffness, yield stress, densification strain and effective energy absorption capacity — were examined to characterize the mechanical properties of PU foam. The elastic stiffness, yield stress and effective energy absorption capacity all decrease with an increase in loading angle to the foam-rise direction, but they increase with strain rate. However, the densification strain varies little with loading angle or strain rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using social exchange and identity theory, the authors examined the association between marital enqing and depression in 372 Taiwanese couples, and the mediating effects of active and passive sacrifice on that association. Marital enqing is a unique form of affection toward the partner in Taiwanese couples. Data was analyzed by using the actor-partner interdependence model to test for actor and partner effects among study variables. Results indicated that husbands, who reported more marital enqing, tended to have lower levels of depression. Partner effects revealed that couples' marital enqing decreased their spouse's depressive symptoms. Husbands' sacrifice behaviors mediated the association between his marital enqing and depression. However, Taiwanese wives' sacrifice behavior did not mediate the association between her marital enqing and depression. Chinese cultural principles indeed impacted how couples in Taiwan conceptualized marital affection differently from couples in western cultures, and it provided insights into its relationships with couples' sacrifices and relational and individual wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the average number of culprit arteries per patient, clinical success rate, and hemoptysis-free survival rate between hemoptysis patients with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography prior to bronchial artery embolization (BAE) and those without preprocedural MDCT angiography METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board with waiver of patient informed consent. From September 2012 to March 2017, 157 consecutive hemoptysis patients had been undergoing BAE. Among them, 106 patients received preprocedural MDCT angiography (MDCT group), while 51 patients did not receive preprocedural MDCT angiography (control group). The average number of culprit arteries per patient, clinical success rate, and hemoptysis-free survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results: The average number of culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and that of non-bronchial systemic arteries originating from the subclavian and internal mammary arteries per patient in the MDCT group were both significantly higher than those in the control group (0.15 ± 0.51 vs 0.04 ± 0.20, p = 0.022, and 0.17 ± 0.56 vs 0.08 ± 0.39, p = 0.040, respectively). The clinical success rate of BAE with preprocedural MDCT angiography tended to be higher than that without MDCT angiography (97.2 vs 88.2%, p = 0.057). Importantly, patients in the MDCT group had a significantly higher hemoptysis-free early survival rate compared to those in the control group (96.1 vs 86.7%, p = 0.031).Conclusions: Preprocedural MDCT angiography helps detect culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries originating from subclavian and internal mammary arteries during BAE, and can improve the hemoptysis-free early survival rate, which could be recommended as a regular examination prior to BAE in patients with hemoptysis.Key Points: • Preprocedural MDCT angiography helps detect culprit ectopic bronchial arteries and NBSAs originating from subclavian and internal mammary arteries during BAE. • Conducting MDCT angiography prior to BAE can improve hemoptysis-free early survival rate in hemoptysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Phase transition could result in changes of physicochemical properties of the CXE during extracting lipids from microalgae. • Subcritical region is prior to other phase regions for the extraction of lipid from microalgae. • Subcritical CXE obtained the comparable amount of lipids as organic solvent but required less solvent. • DHA content and antioxidant activity of CXE extracts were superior to other conventional extracts. Abstract CO 2 -expanded ethanol (CXE) has been proposed as an ideal green medium for performing natural products extractions and chemical reactions. However, its systematic complexity concerning vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) in extractions is not favorable to the industrial application. In this study, the isothermal binary system was theoretically split into three phase regions in consideration of the state of CO 2 as well as the phasic behaviors. In different phase regions, the lipid extractions from microalgae were investigated, showing that subcritical CO 2 -expanded ethanol in one phase region exhibited higher solubility of lipids, with the maximum recovery approaching 25.0%(w/w), basically equivalent to the complete extraction with organic solvent. Meanwhile, subcritical CXE extracted 15.6 mg of lipids per milliliter of ethanol, significantly higher than 3–6 mg lipids per milliliter of other organic solvent, suggesting more efficient process than other methods. Compared with the conventional products, CXE extracts presented the higher DHA content, 41.92%(w/w) as well as the larger antioxidant capacity (IC 50 of 2.49 mg/mL). This study revealed the necessity of the consideration of key factors such as phase equilibrium during employing CXE for the extraction of oxidizable or thermolabile products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long-term field fertilization trials have suggested that reduced chemical nitrogen (N) plus organic fertilization can effectively reduce N loss without sacrificing crop yield, while the knowledge of how organic fertilizers regulate soil microorganisms and their function in N transformation are limited. In this study, the response of net nitrification rate and the ammonia-oxidizer community within soil aggregates to long-term combined organic N and reduced chemical N fertilization was evaluated to understand the underlying mechanism of the practice in mitigating soil N loss. The fertilization experiment included an unfertilized control; chemical N fertilizer (N), superphosphate (P) and potassium sulfate (K) fertilizer (NPK); NPK plus straw (NPKS); and NPK plus manure (NPKM). The results showed that the large macro-aggregates mass (>2 mm) in soil significantly increased from 34.1% in NPK to 47.2% in NPKS (P < 0.05). NPKS and NPKM both had positive effects on soil moisture retention, total N (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), ammonium (NH 4 +-N) and nitrate (NO 3 −-N) accumulation, particularly within micro- (<0.25 mm) and small macro-aggregates. Compared with the NPK treatment, soil net nitrification rate (NNR) and ammonia-oxidizing bacterial (AOB) abundance decreased by 67.1% and 40.7% respectively under NPKS (P < 0.05), and the decrease mainly appeared in large macro-aggregate and micro-aggregates. The net nitrification rate was significantly correlated with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) abundance only in small macro-aggregates (r = 0.642, n = 12, P < 0.05). In contrast, NRR was positively correlated with AOB abundance within small macro- and micro-aggregate size classes (r values ranged from 0.654 to 0.813, P < 0.05). The community structure of AOB varied among different fertilization treatments, while AOA community differentiation was mainly dependent on aggregate size. The shift of the AOA and AOB communities corresponded with high moisture and lower ammonia content in the large macro-aggregates and were potentially responsible for the suppressed nitrification activity in the NPKS treatment. These results indicated that reduced chemical N plus organic fertilization is beneficial for increasing N concentration in large macro-aggregates. Highlights • Long-term combined organic and reduced chemical fertilization (NPKS and NPKM) significantly improved soil aggregation. • Nitrification and AOB abundance were significantly suppressed in NPKS, particularly in its large macro-aggregates. • The shift of nitrifiers communities among three soil aggregates contributed to the suppressed nitrification activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating data show that the cytotoxicity of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from microbiota or infection is associated with many disorders observed in the clinics. However, it is still obscure whether or not embryonic osteogenesis is affected by the LPS exposure during gestation. Using the early chicken embryo model, we could demonstrate that LPS exposure inhibits chondrogenesis of the 8‐day chicken embryos by Alcian Blue‐staining and osteogenesis of 17‐day by Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red staining. Further analysis of the growth plates showed that the length of the proliferating zone (PZ) increases whereas that of the hypertrophic zone (HZ) decreased following LPS exposure. However there is no significant change on cell proliferation in the growth plates. Immunofluorescent staining, western blot analysis, and quantitive polymerase chain reaction revealed that Sox9 and Col2a1 are highly expressed at the messenger RNA level and their protein products are also abundant. LPS exposure causes a downregulation of Runx2 and Col10a1 expression in 8‐day hindlimbs, and a suppression of Runx2, Col10a1, and Vegfa expression in 17‐day phalanges. Knocking down Sox9 in ATDC5 cells by small interfering RNA transfection lead to the expression reduction of Col2a1, Runx2, and Col10a1, implying the vital role of Sox9 in the process of LPS‐induced delay in the transition from proliferating chondrocytes to hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate. In the presence of LPS, the antioxidant defense regulator nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is highly expressed, and the activities of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), SOD2, and glutaredoxin rise in 17‐day phalanges and ADTC5 cells. Simultaneously, an increase of intracellular ROS is observed. When Nrf2 expression was knocked down in ATDC5 cells, the expressions of Sox9, Col2a1, Runx2, Col10a1, and Vegfa were also going down as well. Taken together, our current data suggest that LPS exposure during gestation could restrict the chondrocytes conversion from proliferating to hypertrophic in the growth plate, in which LPS‐induced Sox9 plays a crucial role to trigger the cascade of downstream genes by excessive ROS production and Nrf2 elevation. LPS exposure inhibits chondrogenesis of the chicken embryos by interfering with the turnover from PZ to HZ ‐LPS exposure causes an upregulation of Sox9 and a downregulation of Runx2 ‐LPS‐induced Sox9 plays a crucial role to trigger the cascade of downstream genes by excessive ROS production and Nrf2 elevation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual aesthetics measurement has been studied in the information processing. Indeed, it was mainly conducted by designers and experts previously, which is related to evaluate final works of visual aesthetics. By contrast, relations of inspirations and outcomings are largely ignored in the field of interface design. The result was measured by students, users, and experts, so as to understand the different effects of the interface design inspirations. Two studies were to investigate the influences of inspirations, such as the image‐verbal–oriented (task 1) and the interface‐image–oriented (task 2), and measure the outcomings by users, experts, and participants works. Thirty participants, two experts, and two users, rated the interface design works. The code frequency and correlation analysis were adopted. The findings demonstrate that usability and aesthetics are scored highly in task 2 that is supported by the rating from users and experts. The originality and creativity are rated superior in task 1 than task 2 that is rated by experts. This study reveals that image‐verbal–oriented inspiration matches to the creativity and originality in interface design, and the interface‐image–oriented inspiration was related to the usability and aesthetics, which contribute to the interface design processing and inspiration adoption. This paper proposed a method on visual aesthetics measurement of interface design. Two studies were adopted to investigate inspirations from the image‐verbal–oriented and the interface‐image–oriented. The interface design works were assessed by participants, users, and experts. The findings demonstrated that image‐verbal–oriented inspiration influences the creativity and originality and the interface‐image–oriented inspiration affects the usability and aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA polymerase (DNApol) is highly conserved in all baculoviruses and plays an essential role in viral DNA replication. Previous results showed that the DNApol of the betabaculovirus Pieris rapae granulovirus (PiraGV) can localize in the nucleus. However, it is not clear how the DNApol is transported into the nucleus. Bioinformatic and GFP localization analysis showed that PiraGV DNApol contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS) at aa 4-25 (LFKRKLDEPPTDHTLVKAIKLS) of the N-terminus that does not match either the classical monopartite or the bipartite NLS consensus sequence. Multiple-point-substitution analysis confirmed that the NLS is required for transport of PiraGV DNApol into the nucleus. We also substituted the NLS of the PiraGV DNApol for that of the alphabaculovirus Spodoptera litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus (SpltNPV) DNApol. A viral growth curve and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the substitution impaired viral DNA replication and resulted in a reduction in virus production. Together, our results show that PiraGV contains a novel NLS and that the NLS cannot efficiently replace that of SpltNPV DNApol for viral DNA synthesis and virus production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the authors introduce a new concept "strongly extended (s,m)-convex function" and establish some integral inequalities of Simpson's type for strongly extended (s,m)- convex functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The characteristics of the evolution of the South Asian monsoon during the late Miocene through the Pliocene are highly debated. To obtain a better understanding, we studied the clay mineral assemblages and the clay fraction content of a high-quality sedimentary sequence (borehole core ZK1) spanning the interval of 8.8–2.62 Ma in the Zhaotong Basin, southwestern Yunnan Province, on the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Smectite, kaolinite, illite and vermiculite were the four main clay minerals identified, and changes in their relative abundance reveal a distinct pattern of climate change during the study interval. Until the very late Miocene kaolinite and smectite, with a small amount of illite, were dominant, suggesting a relatively warm and humid climate; from ~6.2 to ~2.8 Ma smectite was dominant, with a minor amount of kaolinite and illite, indicating a relatively cool and humid climate; and from ~2.8 to 2.62 Ma vermiculite (HIV) and illite were dominant, with a minor amount of kaolinite, indicating a relatively cold and humid climate. The variation in clay mineral assemblages indicate substantial changes in the South Asian monsoon in the Zhaotong Basin that promoted a change from a warm and humid climate in the late Micoene to cool and humid climate in the very late Miocene through Pliocene, followed by a gradual trend towards a cold and humid climate in the very late Pliocene. Comparison with records from elsewhere indicates that the observed variations in the South Asian monsoon were mainly controlled by global cooling rather than by Tibetan Plateau uplift. Highlights • The climate condition at Zhaotong Basin is controlled by the South Asian monsoon. • The climate changed from late Miocene warm and humid to late Pliocene cold and dry. • The gradually weakening of South Asian monsoon was controlled by global cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as novel biomarkers for various diseases, especially gastric cancer (GC). But circulating biomarkers for Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) which is defined as precancrerous lesions of GC remain largely elusive. To investigate serum exosomal miRNAs that are differently expressed in CAG patients and Chronic nonatrophic gastritis (CNAG) may be helpful for its diagnosis and therapy.Methods: Patients were recruited according to the diagnosis and exclusioncriteria. RNA was extracted from serum exosomes of 30 CAG and 30 CNAG patients. The miRNA expression profiles were analyzed by next generation sequencing and were validated by qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been used to evaluate the diagnostic value.Results: 30 CAG patients and 30 CNAG patients were recruited in our study. sRNA-seq results showed that hsa-miR-3591-3p, - 122-3p, and - 122-5p of the top 10 miRNAs (hsa-miR-148a-3p, - 122-3p, - 486-3p, -451a, - 122-5p, - 3591-3p, - 486-5p, -151a-3p, -92a-3p, -320a) were significantly upregulated in exosomes from CAG patients versus those from CNAG patients, but hsa-miR-451a, -151a-3p, and -92a-3p were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-122-3p were significantly upregulated in CAG samples, but hsa-miR-122-3p hadnot a steable expression. ROC curves showed that the AUC for hsa-miR-122-5p was 0.67 (95% CI 0.52-0.82, SE 62%, SP 86%). A sum of the four miRNAs (panel 1, hsa-miR-122-5p, -451a, -151a-3p, and -92a-3p) did not significantly improve the diagnostic potential (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.78). Correlation analysis showed that the expression of hsa-miR-122-5p differed significantly between patients based on atrophic (Moderate atrophic vs. Absent, P value was 0.036.) and IM (compare moderate-severe, absent and mild P values were 0.001 and 0.014, respectively). However, there were no differences between groups based on age, gender, dysplasia, or chronic or active inflammation.Conclusion: These results suggested that hsa-miR-122-5p in serum exosomes might serve as a potential biomarker for CAG diagnosis.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registy ( ChiCTR-IOR-16008027 , Date of Registration:2016-03-01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Click chemistry is an effective tool in the fabrication and modification of MOFs. • Azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is a key reaction of click chemistry. • Azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is used to construct MOFs. • Azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is employed to modify MOFs. • Clicked MOFs present attractive application potentials. Abstract Intriguing porous architectures, fascinating physical and chemical properties, and wide application potentials have made metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) a class of highly promising functional materials. The inherent feature of incorporating decorative organic components as building blocks has facilitated MOF constructions by ingenious pre-design and post-synthetic modifications of the organic moieties through appropriate reactions. Meanwhile, the click chemistry has become an effective and robust tool in the fabrication and modification of various functional materials. The azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is usually conducted in mild conditions using diversely available substrates to generate 1,4-regioisomers of 1,2,3-triazoles as sole products in high yields, which meets the characteristics of the conceptual click chemistry and has been referred as the premier example of a click reaction. In 2007, the azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition as a representative reaction of the click chemistry was introduced into the field of MOFs. In the past decade, utilizing the azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, not only lots of organic ligands have been designed and synthesized for MOF constructions, but also diverse functional groups have been grafted into/onto MOF networks for targeted applications. Although other click reactions, such as Diels-Alder click reaction and thiol-ene click reaction, have also been introduced into the MOF field, more and more successful examples have undoubtedly demonstrated that the azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is a highly efficient click reaction in the MOF construction and modification toward purposed applications. Herein, we highlight representative research progresses on MOFs derived from the azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition along with their attractive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of miR-4778-3p on the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Tissue samples were collected from eight patients with cervical cancer prior to chemoradiotherapy. MicroRNA chip analyses, RT-PCR, gene transfection, CCK8, wound healing and Transwell assays, colony-forming assay, western blot, and the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System were used to evaluate the role of miR-4778-3p in cervical cancer radiosensitivity and its relationships with target molecules NR2C2 and Med19. Thirty-two differentially expressed miRNA molecules (fold-change > 2; p < 0.05) associated with cervical cancer radioresistance were identified. The expression of miR-4778-3p was significantly lower in recurrent or metastatic patients than in control subjects. In vitro studies using radioresistant HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines showed that miR-4778-3p upregulation significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration after irradiation. There was also a significant increase in apoptosis and a significant decrease in the proportion of cells at the G2/M phase. Further, miR-4778-3p upregulation led to increased expression of apoptosis-related molecules, such as Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9. Reporter gene assays showed that miR-4778-3p bound specifically to NR2C2 and Med19 and negatively regulated their expression. Thus, miR-4778-3p reduces the vitality, proliferation, and migration of radioresistant cervical cancer cells and may regulate the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer by targeting and regulating NR2C2 and Med19 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Microbial properties are often used to assess the recovery of soil health during phytoremediation. A field survey was conducted to test the effects of different plant metallophytes (excluder and hyperaccumulator) on soil microbial characteristics.Methods: Microbial properties in the rhizosphere of four metallophytes (Sedum alfredii, Rubus hunanensis, Lysimachia christinae and Clinopodium gracile) growing naturally on highly Cd-, Zn- and Pb-contaminated soils were investigated. Microbial biomass carbon, basal respiration, enzyme activities and phospholipid fatty acids were analyzed to study microbial community function and composition.Results: The total microbial biomass, bacterial, actinomycete, fungal, and protozoan PLFAs, basal respiration and enzyme activities in the rhizosphere of metallophytes were significantly higher than in bulk soil. Moreover, the largest increases were found in the rhizosphere of the hyperaccumulator S. alfredii. The microbial community composition in the rhizosphere of S. alfredii was significantly different from the other 3 plants. Redundancy analysis showed that soil physico-chemical properties such as metal concentrations, labile carbon and pH explained most of the variation in microbial community biomass, activity and structure.Conclusions: Metallophytes using different strategies to adapt to metal-rich soils induced different effects on soil microbial properties, which were also influenced by physico-chemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the authors introduce a new concept "strongly extended (s,m)-convex function" and establish some integral inequalities of Simpson's type for strongly extended (s, m)-convex functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a very contagious virus that is highly fatal in humans and animals. The largest epidemic was in West Africa in 2014, in which over 11,000 people died. However, to date, there are no licensed vaccines against it. Studies show that CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, especially cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses, play key roles in protecting individuals from EBOV infection. Since HLA-restricted epitope vaccines are likely to be effective and safe immunization strategies for infectious diseases, the present study screened for CTL epitopes in the EBOV-nucleoprotein that are restricted by HLA-A11 (a common allele in Chinese people). Predictive computer analysis of the amino-acid sequence of EBOV-nucleoprotein identified ten putative HLA-A11-restricted epitopes. ELISPOT assay of immunized HLA-A11/DR1 transgenic mice showed that five (GR-9, VR-9, EK-9, PK-9, and RK-9) induced effective CTL responses. Additional epitope analyses will aid the design of epitope vaccines against EBOV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, biological machines and motors can selectively transport cargoes across the lipid membranes to efficiently perform various physiological functions via ion channels or ion pumps. It is interesting and challengeable to develop artificial motors and machines of nanodimensions to controllably regulate mass transport in compartmentalized systems. In this work, we show a system of artificial molecular motors that uses light energy to perform transmembrane molecule transport through synthetical nanochannels. After functionalizing the polymer nanochannels with azobenzene derivatives, these nanomachines exhibit autonomous selective transport behavior over a long distance upon simultaneous irradiation with UV (365 nm) and visible (430 nm) light. With new strategies or suitable materials for directed molecular movement, such device can be regarded as a precursor of artificial light‐driven molecular pumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, biological machines and motors can selectively transport cargoes across the lipid membranes to efficiently perform various physiological functions via ion channels or ion pumps. It is interesting and challengeable to develop artificial motors and machines of nanodimensions to controllably regulate mass transport in compartmentalized systems. In this work, we show a system of artificial molecular motors that uses light energy to perform transmembrane molecule transport through synthetical nanochannels. After functionalizing the polymer nanochannels with azobenzene derivatives, these nanomachines exhibit autonomous selective transport behavior over a long distance upon simultaneous irradiation with UV (365 nm) and visible (430 nm) light. With new strategies or suitable materials for directed molecular movement, such device can be regarded as a precursor of artificial light‐driven molecular pumps. Lighting the way: Inspired by the light‐driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin, an artificial light‐powered molecular motor was developed by functionalizing synthetic nanochannels with azobenzene derivatives. These nano‐confined machines exhibit autonomous selective transport behavior over long distances upon simultaneous irradiation with UV (365 nm) and visible light (430 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocarcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancy haunting the Chinese population, which is partially due to the difficulties in diagnosis at an early stage. The search for a biomarker that could signify the presence and progress of hepatocarcinoma is never ended. MicroRNAs are 22-nt RNAs that could bind to 3′ UTR of target mRNAs, mediating degradation of mRNAs or inhibiting the translation. Although much has been investigated, the role of miR-124 in hepatocarcinoma remained elusive. We first detected aberrant expression level of miR-124 in HCC tissues of 112 patients. By exploring the clinical parameters, we found a significantly inverse correlation between miR-124 level and TNM stages. Consistent with this, the survival analysis indicated the association of low miR-124 with longer survival time. Subsequent forced expression miR-124 resulted in reduced cell viability of Hep3B and SMMC-7221, which cell lines have high and low background expression of miR-124, respectively. TargetScan prediction rendered a subset of target candidates, which were selected for experimental validation, KLF4 was subject to luciferase assay. Ectopic expression of KLF4 increased the sphere formation ability and CD44/133-positive cell numbers, which can be reversed by abundant expression of miR-124, suggesting that KLF4 is a functional target of miR-124 in tumourigenesis and cancer progression of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reentry research has received much less attention than research on cultural adjustment in a foreign country, especially in the marriage and family therapy (MFT) field in the United States. Lack of research on international students’ job experiences and professional developments during reentry does not provide further information to evaluate the quality of MFT education in the United States. This study was intended to extend the reentry literature and specifically to understand personal and professional reentry experiences and cross-cultural transformation of MFT returnees in Taiwan. Thirteen participants were interviewed, and the resulting data was analyzed using constructivist grounded theory. Analyses results demonstrated macro contextual factors that situated unique personal and professional reentry phenomena for international MFT graduate in Taiwan. The returnees strived to explore their MFT identity and interpret cross-cultural differences by developing four coping strategies (e.g., not wanting to fit in, doing what you were supposed to do or could do, processing with others, and therapists’ multicultural awareness) that were associated with three conditions, such as personal networks linking to professional networks, supervision, and training in MFT. Findings suggested that reentry adaption was varied and fitting into Taiwanese society might not be the final goal for the returnees. Training implications in the MFT field were provided based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mantle xenoliths exhumed from beneath the South Island of New Zealand offer an opportunity to investigate the role of lithospheric mantle water in influencing deep lithosphere deformation and formation of the narrow Southern Alps mountain range during orogeny along the Australia–Pacific plate boundary. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) water measurements on clinopyroxene (cpx), orthopyroxene (opx) and olivine of peridotite xenoliths from seven localities across the Zealandia continent reveal a lateral variation of H 2 O within the Oligocene–Miocene lithospheric mantle. There is a "wet" domain beneath what is now the Southern Alps mountain range with average measured H 2 O concentrations of 610 ppm for cpx and 298 ppm for opx. In contrast, dominantly "dry" domains with average H 2 O concentrations of 110 ppm for cpx and 49 ppm for opx reside beneath East Otago, Chatham Island and Auckland Islands. Contrasting H 2 O concentrations within olivine (calculated to be 60 to 100 ppm for the wet domain versus <10 ppm for the dry domains) indicate a lateral gradient in mantle effective viscosity of up to one order of magnitude beneath the Southern Alps and the surrounding regions. The narrow width of the Southern Alps orogen, ∼80 km, contrasts with most of its broad counterparts worldwide, such as the North American Cordillera where the mantle was hydrated and weakened by the subduction of the Farallon plate. However, those developed orogens were often complicated by subsequent tectonic overprinting. Our findings show that the pre-existing rheologically weak zone of the mantle lithosphere, most likely resulting from hydration by the subduction of the oceanic lithosphere attached to the Australian plate beneath the South Island of New Zealand at ∼25 Ma, affects the continental deformation at or near the surface and controls the width of the developing Southern Alps orogen. Highlights • Peridotite xenoliths show a wet mantle beneath what is now the Southern Alps orogeny. • Other Oligocene–Miocene Zealandia lithospheric mantle domains appear to be dry. • Lateral width of the Southern Alps orogen may be influenced by a narrow weak mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bee colony optimization (BCO) algorithm with a linear dance function (denoted as the BCO‐Linear algorithm) is inspired by the bees' foraging behaviors, in which waggle dances are modeled as a communication medium among bees. Through these informative waggle dances, more bees are recruited toward exploring more profitable search regions. In the BCO‐Linear algorithm, a fitter bee is allowed to dance longer, and the dance duration is determined by a linear function with a scaling parameter that requires manual tuning. This article presents a dynamic fuzzy‐based dance mechanism, ie, the BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm, to solve the manual tuning problem. A fuzzy‐based approach is applied to regulate the duration of waggle dances instead of regulating the dance duration using a linear function. The proposed BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm comprises parameters that are dynamically controlled based on the feedback of the search process, therefore overcoming the limitation of manual parameter tuning of the BCO‐Linear algorithm. The BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm is evaluated comprehensively using a set of benchmark traveling salesman problems. The experimental results show that the performance of the BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm is comparable with that of the BCO‐Linear algorithm. Specifically, the dynamic fuzzy‐based dance mechanism improves the BCO algorithm in terms of rewarding dance instances near the inflection point. Performance comparison with other nature‐inspired algorithms proves the effectiveness of the proposed BCO‐Fuzzy algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and fuel consumption of hybrid electric vehicle heavily depend on the EMS (energy management strategy). This paper presents a novel EMS for a series hybrid electric rescue vehicle. Firstly, considering the working characteristics of engine and battery, the EMS combining logic threshold and fuzzy control is proposed. Secondly, a fuzzy control optimization method based on IQGA (improved quantum genetic algorithm) is designed to achieve better fuel efficiency. Then, the modeling and simulation are completed by using MATLAB/Simulink; the results demonstrate that the fuel consumption can be decreased by 5.17% after IQGA optimization and that the optimization effect of IQGA is better than that of GA (genetic algorithm) and QGA (quantum genetic algorithm). Finally, the HILS (hardware in loop simulation) platform is constructed with dSPACE; the HILS experiment shows that the proposed EMS can effectively improve the vehicle working efficiency, which can be applied to practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Demand-side flexibility is integrated into an energy systems model (ESM) • Household appliances and electric cars can provide significant load management. • By 2050, the peak load can be significantly reduced, with large cost savings. • ESMs should consider demand-side flexibility as a key mitigation option. Abstract Demand-side flexibility from smart appliances and passenger electric vehicles has been increasingly regarded in recent years as an effective measure to reduce peak loads and to aid system balancing. While numerous studies have been undertaken to investigate the benefits of demand-side flexibility, most have either focused only on the power sector or provided a snapshot for a future year or day. The influence of interactions between sectors in the long-term under energy transition pathways has therefore been under explored. This paper presents a novel modelling approach in a whole energy systems model, UK TIMES, to investigate the benefits of demand-side flexibility from smart appliances and passenger electric vehicles, including the reduction in the costs of moving to a low carbon economy. This analysis shows that demand-side control increases system flexibility, enabling the integration of high levels of low carbon power, such as nuclear and wind, whilst reducing the requirements for storage. By 2050, the peak load is reduced by around 7 GW (9%), and cumulatively about 30.9 billion GBP saved with the help of this demand-side flexibility. This approach could be integrated into other energy systems models to improve the representation of this important flexibility mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of induction chemotherapy in the treatment of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in era of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods and Materials: A total of 173 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7th stage II NPC from two institutions were included. All patients were divided into two groups: induction chemotherapy + concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (ICRT) group and concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (CCRT). Induction chemotherapy was consisted of one to three cycles of cisplatin plus fluorouracil (PF) or paclitaxel plus cisplatin (TP). Concurrent chemotherapy included one to three cycles of cisplatin. We retrospectively assessed overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional failure free survival (LRFFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) in patients of both groups. T-test, Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier methodology and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze.Results: With a median follow up of 64.7 months, no significant difference was found in grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity, liver dysfunction and renal impairment between ICRT and CCRT group. Univariable analyses shown adding induction chemotherapy to CCRT significantly decreased 5-year OS (87.9% vs 95.5%, P = 0.033), 5-year PFS (74.0% vs 86.1%, P = 0.035), 5-year LRFFS (80.0% vs 91.2%, P = 0.016), but there was no statistically significant difference in 5-year DMFS (87.1% vs 94.7%, P = 0.095). In multivariable analyses, we found the consistent results that induction chemotherapy was a negative factor associated with OS (HR of death = 3.768, 95% CI = 1.117-12.709; P = 0.032), PFS (HR of progression = 2.156, 95% CI = 1.060-4.386; P = 0.034), LRFFS (HR of locoregional relapse = 2.435, 95% CI = 1.009-5.874; P = 0.048) and also DMFS (HR of metastasis = 2.873, 95% CI = 1.005-8.211; P = 0.049), in stage II NPC patients.Conclusion: In present study, we found that induction chemotherapy caused deleterious effect on stage II NPC patients. However, this is a retrospective study and the adverse effects of induction chemotherapy has not been previously reported. It warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbinoxamine maleate is an antihistamine drug with mild sedation effects, which is used to treat seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis clinically. In order to optimize drug therapy, reduce drug accumulation, lessen the frequency of adverse effects and facilitate clinical research, a high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay was firstly established and fully validated for the quantitative admeasurements of carbinoxamine. After extraction with ethyl acetate, the chromatographic separation was implemented on a C18 column (Hypersil GOLD, 100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.0 μm) using gradient elution with water (containing 0.1% formic acid) and methanol at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The analytes were measured under multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode with m/z 291.2 → 202.1 for carbinoxamine and m/z 285.0 → 193.2 for diazepam (IS) using electrospray ionization source (ESI) in the positive ion mode. A satisfactory linearity was obtained over the wide extent of 0.1–100.0 ng/mL ( r  > 0.99). Inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy of the assay were favorably accorded with the currently recognized limits (< 8.9%). The mean extraction recoveries for carbinoxamine ranged from 74.00% to 86.4%. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of carbinoxamine were subsequently evaluated in beagles. Following intragastric administration (0.534 mL/kg), carbinoxamine possessed a large apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment ( Vc  = 1005.7 ± 945.9 L/kg), oral clearance ( Cl  = 112.446 ± 53.249 L/h/kg), and a relatively long absorption time ( T max  = 2.38 ± 1.00 h). This analytical method with adequate sensitivity was applicable to pharmacokinetic study and could monitor concentrations of carbinoxamine in beagle plasma. Moreover, the methodology could be used for further bioequivalence determination and addressing metabolism associated with the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of local streetlamp maintenance and management under the effects of the regional economic recession following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the Luodong (Yilan County, Taiwan) Township Office implemented a streetlamp sponsorship project in 2010 which combining streetlamp sponsorship and the installation of worship lamps at local religious organizations. With successful promotion and marketing strategies, many local residents and merchandisers participated in the project. This study analysed the project to investigate how a Taiwanese local government office employs innovative public policies to strengthen its governance. In-depth interviews with critical policy stakeholders and geographic information system-based spatial analysis was employed as the main methods. Several suggestions are offered in the conclusion of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymers with rigid and contorted structures are always preferred for use as gas separation membranes. Owing to the contorted nature of the spiro‐center, the spirobichroman structure is an effective scaffold for impeding polymer chain packing. Two spirobichroman‐based diamines, 6,6′‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐4,4,4′,4′,7,7′‐hexamethyl‐2,2′‐spirobichroman (FSBC) and 6,6′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)‐4,4,4′,4′,7,7′‐hexamethyl‐2,2′‐spirobichroman (SBC), with or without CF3 side groups are prepared. The two diamines are separately reacted with 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and 3,3′,4,4′‐diphenylsulfonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (DSDA) to obtain four spirobichroman‐based polyimides, denoted as BTDA‐FSBC, BTDA‐SBC, DSDA‐FSBC, and DSDA‐SBC. The different molecular structures among the four monomers are expected to alter the fractional free volume of the corresponding polyimides by impacting chain‐packing conditions, and then controlling the gas transport properties. Chemical structures, thermal and physical properties of the polyimides are fully characterized. Two different methods, molecular dynamics simulation and Bondi's group contribution method are employed to characterize the fractional free volumes (FFVs) of these polyimides. In the end, it is found that FSBC‐based polyimides exhibit relatively higher gas permeability than SBC‐based polyimides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Low‐grade heat energies are ubiquitous, and most of these energies are untapped as heated river water or seawater. Therefore, it is meaningful and valuable to extract the stored energies in the context of the energy crisis by using a simple device with low‐cost effectiveness. Here, a simple thermoelectric conversion system is shown using directed ionic flow through the biomimetic smart nanochannels, inspired by the human skin. The obtained power density of the nanodevice can ideally be 88.8 W m−2 with a membrane temperature gradient (ΔT) of 40 °C. As proof of concept, it is demonstrated that the principle can be introduced into simple and portable prototypes to harvest low‐grade heat. Such a thermoelectric conversion apparatus provides a new venue for low‐grade heat harvesting. In addition, this self‐powered system may extend the electronic skin field and find applications in skin prosthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the evaluation of structural reliability under imperfect knowledge about the probability distributions of random variables, with emphasis on the uncertainties of the distribution parameters. When these uncertainties are considered, the failure probability becomes a random variable that is referred to as the conditional failure probability. For the sake of transparency in communicating risk, it is necessary to determine not only the mean but also the quantile of the conditional failure probability. A novel method is proposed for estimating the quantile of the conditional failure probability by using the probability distribution of the corresponding conditional reliability index, in which a point-estimate method based on bivariate dimension-reduction integration is first suggested to compute the first three moments (i.e., mean, standard deviation and skewness) of the conditional reliability index. The probability distribution of the conditional reliability index is then approximated by a three-parameter square normal distribution. Numerical studies show that the computational efficiency of the proposed method was well above that of Monte Carlo simulations without loss of accuracy, and also show that neglecting parameter uncertainties will lead to the structural reliability being overestimated. The developed methodology provides a complete picture of structural reliability evaluation under imperfect knowledge about probability distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mantle pyroxenite xenoliths were collected from Hannuoba, East China, and investigated for their H2O content and trace element contents, with particular regard to the H2O/Ce ratio. The pyroxenites were divided into three groups: Cr‐pyroxenites, Al‐pyroxenites, and garnet pyroxenites. The H2O contents and H2O/Ce ratios of the pyroxenites in this study showed much wider ranges than those previously reported for the whole rock pyroxenites. The Cr‐pyroxenites had an H2O content ranging from 23 to 339 ppm and an H2O/Ce ratio between 32 and 212; the Al‐pyroxenites had an H2O content ranging from 42 to 106 ppm and an H2O/Ce ratio between 1 and 22, and the garnet pyroxenites had an H2O content ranging from 37 to 69 ppm and an H2O/Ce ratio between 5 and 54. These systematic variations in the H2O contents and H2O/Ce ratios for the Hannuoba pyroxenites are associated with their origins. Both the H2O content and H2O/Ce ratio of the Al‐pyroxenites were low compared to those of Hawaiian pyroxenite, enriched mantle, and depleted MORB mantle sources. The high H2O content and H2O/Ce ratio of the melt equilibrated with the Cr‐pyroxenites indicate that a water‐rich component was involved in its formation. Their large variations in the H2O contents and H2O/Ce ratios may indicate that pyroxenites are essential enriched components in the sources of continental basalts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]