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BK polyomavirus (BKV) is important pathogen for kidney transplant recipients, as it is frequently re-activated, leading to nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic reconstruction and polymorphism of the VP2 gene in BKV isolated from Chinese kidney transplant recipients. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out in the VP2 region from 135 BKV-positive samples and 28 reference strains retrieved from GenBank. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) grouped all strains into subtypes, but failed to subdivide strains into subgroups. Among the plasma and urine samples, all plasma (23/23) and 82 urine samples (82/95) were identified to contain subtype I; the other 10 urine samples contained subtype IV. A 86-bp fragment was identified as a highly conserved sequence. Following alignment with 36 published BKV sequences from China, 92 sites of polymorphism were identified, including 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) prevalent in Chinese individuals and 30 SNPs that were specific to the two predominant subtypes I and IV. The limitations of the VP2 gene segment in subgrouping were confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The conserved sequence and polymorphism identified in this study may be helpful in the detection and genotyping of BKV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass transfer performance of CO2 absorption into an innovative tertiary amine solvent, 1-dimethylamino-2-propanol (1DMA2P), was investigated and compared with that of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) in a packed column with random Dixon-ring packing. All experiments were conducted under atmospheric pressure. The effects of inert gas flow rate, amine concentration, liquid flow rate, CO2 loading, and liquid temperature on mass transfer performance were analyzed and the results presented in terms of the volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient ( KG av). The experimental findings clearly indicate that 1DMA2P provided better mass transfer performance than MDEA. For both 1DMA2P and MDEA solutions, the KG av increased with rising amine concentration and liquid flow rate, but decreased with higher CO2 loading. The inert gas flow rate only slightly affected the KG av. A satisfactory correlation of KG av was developed for the 1DMA2P-CO2 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of y-SiQDs and their application to image H 2 S in cells and onion tissue. [Display omitted] Yellow fluorescent silicon quantum dots (y-SiQDs) with 22.2% fluorescence quantum yield were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method using 3-glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane (GOTS) and m-aminophenol. The excitation wavelength is 550 nm with an emission wavelength of 574 nm, which effectively avoids the interference of biological autofluorescence. Notably, the synthesis approach does not require any post-modification and the y-SiQDs can be directly used for hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) quantification due to static quenching. It exhibits high sensitivity and excellent selectivity for H 2 S with a 0.2-10 μM (R2 = 0.9953) linear range and detection limit of 54 nM. y-SiQDs have excellent stability and biocompatibility and can be used for H 2 S imaging in living cells and onion tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impact of climate change on renewable energy resources is increasingly vital as our energy systems transition towards higher levels of renewable generation. This paper explores power system transition under climate change impacts on hydro resources, as well as the impact of climate change on the cost of decarbonisation. An integrated energy systems assessment tool is used to investigate the impact of altered seasonal availability factors on the optimal energy investment pathways. The cost of decarbonisation is assessed under climate change impact on the hydro resources, as well as the impact of discount rate assumptions on the total cost of decarbonisation. Results show that in the case of New Zealand, more hydro will be available in winter due to climate change, but less in summer, which is compensated for with increased solar capacity. Decarbonisation in New Zealand sees a major transformation in the transport sector, supported by a relatively moderate increase in overall demand in the electricity sector. While climate change impact on the hydro resource may reduce the total cost of decarbonisation in New Zealand, this cannot be generalised, as these impacts vary across countries and regions. • Climate change amplifies seasonal availability of hydro in New Zealand. • Climate change has indirect effects on optimal long-term energy system investments. • Cost of decarbonisation decreases slightly due to climate change in New Zealand. • Trade-off between solar and wind to support hydro under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrification of transportation is an important option to reduce fossil fuels consumption and carbon emissions. However, electric vehicles (EVs) comprise less than 1.2% of New Zealand's light vehicle fleet, and there are significant hurdles to limit EV uptake. This study uses spatial negative binomial regression models to estimate spatio-temporal factors that influence consumers' purchase decisions. Two hypotheses are tested: (1) if charging infrastructure has a "neighbourhood effect" on EV uptake; (2) if EVs adoption by technology enthusiasts during the early-adopter phase affects subsequent adoption once the technology becomes widely spread. Results show that charging infrastructure in neighbouring areas and early adoption positively affect subsequent technology adoption. Robustness analysis suggests that the distance spatial weights matrices outperformed other types of alternatives in this study may represent the boundaries of a convenience threshold that drivers perceive when they get their EVs. Thus, policy initiatives aiming to increase the electrification of transport should consider the likelihood of early adoption and the spatial proximity of charging infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited empirical evidence exists on the role of electricity intensity of residential income and disposable income in China's electricity consumption. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the variation in the growth rate of electricity consumption. We develop a Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model to examine factors that affect electricity consumption and whether there are structural changes impacting electricity consumption. The drivers of slowing electricity consumption in China between 2007 and 2019 are quantified. We find that China's electricity consumption is closely associated with economic growth during the current New Normal period 2013–2019. Decelerated electricity consumption rate is linked to adjustments in industrial structure and a decline in energy intensity. Decreasing the electricity intensity of residential income also contributed to the decelerated rate. In 2014 there was a clear structural break in the growth rate of China's electricity consumption. We conclude that the decline in the electricity consumption growth rate is structural, and the low average annual growth rate will be sustained if nascent energy efficiency improvements and industry transition continue. Therefore, both electricity consumption and its influencing factors should be monitored continuously. Policies should be aimed at promoting energy efficiency and optimizing industrial structure. • Measuring the impacts of socioeconomic factors on China's electricity consumption. • Quantifying the structural change in the growth rate of electricity consumption. • Industrial structure and energy intensity changes decreased electricity consumption. • Electricity intensity of residential income contributed to the decelerated rate. • Analyzing the future trend in the growth rate of electricity consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Both the 2, 6 linkage and its topology on target cells are critical for the recognition by human influenza virus. The binding preference of avian flu virus H5N1 HA to the 2, 3-linked sialylated glycans is considered the major factor limiting its efficient infection and transmission in humans. To monitor potential adaptation of H5N1 virus in human population, the surveillance of receptor-binding specificity was undertaken in China. Methods: The binding specificity of 32 human H5N1 virus strains isolated from 2003 to 2009 was tested by 2, 3-specific sialidase-treated chicken red blood cell (CRBC) agglutination assay and a solid-phase direct binding assay with synthetic sialylglycopolymers. Results: Dual binding preference to 2, 3 and 2, 6-glycans were found in two strains: A/Guangdong/1/06 (A/GD/1/06) and A/Guangxi/1/08 (A/GX/1/08). Though minor effect of short-2, 6-binding was detected in A/GX/1/08 at a low virus titer, both showed high affinity to the oligosaccharide at a high load. Notably both are of the long-2, 6-recognition, with the same topology as that of human H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Conclusion: The findings suggest that human H5N1 virus in China likely acquired the potential human-adaptation ability. Further research and surveillance on receptor-binding specificity of H5N1 viruses are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydro and wind are both commonly deployed renewable sources of electricity. Wind is intermittent and unpredictable to a large degree. Hydro depends on seasonal rainfall patterns, although storage may offer scope to spread the risk associated with dry seasons. We investigate the impact of intermittent wind generation, coupled with a given hydro capacity, on wholesale electricity prices, accounting for both spatial and seasonal effects. Results from a spatial Durbin model provide evidence of significant negative spill-over effects of wind generation on wholesale nodal prices. After robustness analysis with alternative spatial weight matrices, we provide estimates of the seasonal impact of wind generation on nodal prices using a transmission weight matrix. We evaluate seasonal nodal price effects during dry periods and wet periods in New Zealand's hydro-dominated electricity market. Results show that the price reduction associated with a 10% increase in wind penetration varies across seasons, ranging from $0.48 per MWh in winter in 2012 to $3.05 per MWh in spring. The largest price reduction effect of 3.05 is found for the wet season in spring 2012, but the variance change is 3.6 which is less than 5.24 for the dry season in summer 2012. This evidence reveals that increased wind generation reduces nodal prices, as expected, but also increases the variance in nodal prices, particularly during a dry season. Thus, while a wind-hydro system is shown as a favourable low-carbon combination during wet seasons, without backup generation the system remains susceptible to price volatility. We further suggest policy recommendations to ensure the reduction of price volatility and the continuity of electricity supply during dry periods. • We examine the wind-hydro nexus via the price effect. • We examine the impact of wind generation on nodal price level and price volatility. • A spatial Durbin model is applied to examine seasonal impacts. • Increased wind generation reduces nodal price and increases its variance. • High hydro inflows can mitigate price volatility and stabilise nodal price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrophilic components from Xiaoheiyao are knocked out using magnetic GSH probe. • Electrophilic components have the potential to ameliorate steatosis in HepG2 cells. • 10-Isobutyryloxy-8,9-epoxythymol isobutyrate is discovered as a bioactive compound. • 10-Isobutyryloxy-8,9-epoxythymol isobutyrate improves steatosis via Nrf2 activation. Xiaoheiyao , the rhizomes of Inula nervosa Wall., is a culinary spice known to contain some electrophilic Nrf2 activators that could potentially intervene in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, the electrophilic components from Xiaoheiyao were annotated by comprehensive cheminformatics analyses on UHPLC-MS/MS data after being knocked out with glutathione (GSH)-immobilized magnetic microspheres. Their intervention effects against hepatic steatosis were investigated in free fatty acid (FFA)-treated HepG2 cells. The electrophilic components in Xiaoheiyao were found to be the major bioactive components preventing hepatic steatosis in FFA-treated HepG2 cells. In particular, 10-isobutyryloxy-8,9-epoxythymol isobutyrate (XHY-1) improved hepatic lipid metabolism disorder, Krebs cycle activity, oxidative phosphorylation, and the cellular and mitochondrial redox status. Moreover, XHY-1 activates the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway through the up-regulation of Nrf2 expression and promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Molecular docking further showed that XHY-1 could conjugate with Cys151 in the BTB domain of Keap1 through the epoxy group. In conclusion, the electrophilic components of Xiaoheiyao , especially XHY-1, attenuated hepatic steatosis in FFA-treated HepG2 cells through activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carboxylesterase is a multifunctional superfamily and ubiquitous in all living organisms, including animals, plants, insects, and microbes. It plays important roles in xenobiotic detoxification, and pheromone degradation, neurogenesis and regulating development. Previous studies mainly used Dipteran Drosophila and mosquitoes as model organisms to investigate the roles of the insect COEs in insecticide resistance. However, genome-wide characterization of COEs in phytophagous insects and comparative analysis remain to be performed. Results: Based on the newly assembled genome sequence, 76 putative COEs were identified in Bombyx mori. Relative to other Dipteran and Hymenopteran insects, alpha-esterases were significantly expanded in the silkworm. Genomics analysis suggested that BmCOEs showed chromosome preferable distribution and 55% of which were tandem arranged. Sixty-one BmCOEs were transcribed based on cDNA/ESTs and microarray data. Generally, most of the COEs showed tissue specific expressions and expression level between male and female did not display obvious differences. Three main patterns could be classified, i.e. midgut-, head and integument-, and silk gland-specific expressions. Midgut is the first barrier of xenobiotics peroral toxicity, in which COEs may be involved in eliminating secondary metabolites of mulberry leaves and contaminants of insecticides in diet. For head and integument-class, most of the members were homologous to odorant-degrading enzyme (ODE) and antennal esterase. RT-PCR verified that the ODE-like esterases were also highly expressed in larvae antenna and maxilla, and thus they may play important roles in degradation of plant volatiles or other xenobiotics. Conclusion: B. mori has the largest number of insect COE genes characterized to date. Comparative genomic analysis suggested that the gene expansion mainly occurred in silkworm alpha-esterases. Expression evidence indicated that the expanded genes were specifically expressed in midgut, integument and head, implying that these genes may have important roles in detoxifying secondary metabolites of mulberry leaves, contaminants in diet, and odorants. Our results provide some new insights into functions and evolutionary characteristics of COEs in phytophagous insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying local extrema of expression profiles is one primary objective in some cDNA microarray experiments. To study the replication dynamics of the yeast genome, for example, local peaks of hybridization intensity profiles correspond to putative replication origins. We propose a nonparametric kernel smoothing (NKS) technique to detect local hybridization intensity extrema across chromosomes. The novelty of our approach is that we base our inference procedures on equilibrium points, namely those locations at which the first derivative of the intensity curve is zero. The proposed smoothing technique provides both point and interval estimation for the location of local extrema. Also, this technique can be used to test for the hypothesis of either one or multiple suspected locations being the true equilibrium points. We illustrate the proposed method on a microarray data set from an experiment designed to study the replication origins in the yeast genome, in that the locations of autonomous replication sequence (ARS) elements are identified through the equilibrium points of the smoothed intensity profile curve. Our method found a few ARS elements that were not detected by the current smoothing methods such as the Fourier convolution smoothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporaneous structural changes in the New Zealand economy, growth of the services sector, and increased reliance on renewable sources of electricity, underpin changing patterns of energy consumption in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Zero Carbon Act passed in November 2019 set a pathway to transition to a net-zero carbon future. Actions aimed at reducing energy consumption, especially transport related fossil-fuel consumption, should further accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, little is known of the factors driving patterns of energy consumption. This study systematically investigates New Zealand's energy consumption from the perspectives of production and consumption, combining environmentally-extended input-output analysis and structural decomposition analysis. Results show that at the national level, population growth was the dominant factor in promoting energy consumption. In contrast, decreasing direct energy intensity had the largest impact on limiting growth in energy consumption. Private consumption and exports were the main sources of energy consumption. Results support important policy recommendations that achieve this low-carbon transition, such as the electrification of transport and the promotion of renewable energy. • Structural decomposition analysis for New Zealand's energy consumption. • Investigate factors influencing energy consumption. • Analyze energy consumption from both the production and final demand perspectives. • Provide policy implications for reshaping New Zealand's energy consumption profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that the operating speed was slow in construction of roadway floor grouting and anchoring in coal mine, the ZDY1200L Full Hydraulic Crawler Drilling Rig was improved to meet the construction requirement, the angle range of main shaft was changed in -90° ~ 0° and the machine was used in main ventilation roadway of Jiangjiahe Coal Mine. The results showed that the feed speed of the reconstructed ZDY1200L Full Hydraulic Crawler Drilling Rig run smoothly and balanced, the structure was safety and reliability. Drilled quantity of boreholes per day was 60, which was twice than geological drill, drill speed had greatly improved. Thus the construction efficiency and operating speed were improved effectively in construction of roadway floor grouting and anchoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication the email addresses of corresponding authors have not been displayed. The correct email addresses of corresponding authors are provided in this correction. Fang-Cheng Li (sjwklfc@126.com), Fei Hu (neuron111@163.com), Min-Hua Luo (luomh@wh.iov.cn). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding the cause of patients’ symptoms often requires identifying a pathological diagnosis. A single-center study found that many patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) do not receive a pathological diagnosis. We analyzed 17 years of data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) to identify the proportion of patients who received a pathological diagnosis at ED discharge. We hypothesized that many patients do not receive a pathological diagnosis, and that the proportion of pathological diagnoses increased between 1993 and 2009. Methods: Using the NHAMCS data from 1993-2009, we analyzed visits of patients age ≥18 years, discharged from the ED, who had presented with the three most common chief complaints: chest pain, abdominal pain, and headache. Discharge diagnoses were coded as symptomatic versus pathological based on a pre-defined coding system. We compared weighted annual proportions of pathological discharge diagnoses with 95% CIs and used logistic regression to test for trend. Results: Among 299,919 sampled visits, 44,742 met inclusion criteria, allowing us to estimate that there were 164 million adult ED visits presenting with the three chief complaints and then discharged home. Among these visits, the proportions with pathological discharge diagnosis were 55%, 71%, and 70% for chest pain, abdominal pain, and headache, respectively. The total proportion of those with a pathological discharge diagnosis decreased between 1993 and 2009, from 72% (95% CI, 69-75%) to 63% (95% CI, 59-66%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, those more likely to receive pathological diagnoses were females, African-American as compared to Caucasian, and self-pay patients. Those more likely to receive a symptomatic diagnosis were patients aged 30-79 years, with visits to EDs in the South or West regions, and seen by a physician in the ED. Conclusion: In this analysis of a nationally-representative database of ED visits, many patients were discharged from the ED without a pathological diagnosis that explained the likely cause of their symptoms. Despite advances in diagnostic testing, the proportion of pathological discharge diagnoses decreased. Future studies should investigate reasons for not providing a pathological diagnosis and how this may affect clinical outcomes. [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(1):50–54.]

Pd0-mediated Tsuji-Trost reaction is a practical strategy to design fluorescent probes for carbon monoxide (CO) sensing, and in such reaction CO can reduce Pd2+ to Pd0 in-situ and remove allyl groups on fluorophores. In most of these probes, esters are commonly used to link allyl on fluorophores. We found that the ester groups could be hydrolyzed by esterase activity of fetal bovine serum (FBS), while FBS is a requisite in cell culture, and the hydrolysis could interfere the Pd0-mediated Tsuji-Trost reaction. In this study, we synthesized a fluorescent probe (Cou-CO) using allyl ether as reaction site rather than allyl ester. Cou-CO is non-fluorescence, and could react with CO under the presence of Pd0 to form Cou with strong fluorescence, and the maximum excitation and emission wavelengths of Cou are 464 nm and 495 nm respectively. Cou-CO shows excellent selectivity to CO and could avoid the effect of FBS with the limit of detection for CO is 78 nm. Finally, Cou-CO was successfully applied for imaging of CO in living cells. Image 1 • Ester group may be not a good choice as reaction moiety for CO probes. • Fluorescent probe Cou-CO for CO has been synthesized with ether group as reaction moiety. • Fetal bovine serum has no interference to detection of CO with Cou-CO. • As a turn-on probe, Cou-CO has been successfully used for CO imaging in cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing natural resource dependence is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. This study explores the effect of natural resource dependence on green development by adopting the balanced panel dataset from the "Belt and Road" countries from 2005 to 2019. Notably, the novelty of our analysis lies in the empirical analysis using instrument-based techniques that consolidate the "green development curse hypothesis" in the Belt and Road countries. The mechanism analysis reveals that natural resource dependence curbs green development by weakening innovative capability, disturbing institutional quality, reducing population density, and crowding out human capital. Further, the dynamic panel threshold model handling endogeneity verifies the nonlinear relationship between natural resource dependence and green development. Interestingly, digital trade offers greater "resilience" than traditional trade, correcting the resource curse dilemma. Finally, heterogeneity analyses indicate that the green development curse hypothesis only exists in countries with high-level environmental regulations and resource-based countries. • Natural resource dependence (NRD) has a restricting effect on green development (GD). • There is a nonlinear relationship between NRD and GD. • NRD's impact on GD exists significant heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• LNCM power density is improved by LaF 3 modification. • LaF 3 modification technique fuses LaF 3 -decorated with La/F-doping. • A high-power density of 3555 W·kg−1 at 10C is achieved. • The relationship between the structures and electrochemical behavior is clarified. Lithium-rich manganese-based layered oxides, such as Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Co 0.13 Ni 0.13 O 2 (LNCM), are promising cathodes that possess both ultrahigh-specific capacity and high working voltage, yet they have not been commercialized due to intrinsic challenges. These challenges include sluggish Li-ion diffusion kinetics and structural degradation from the layered structure to a spinel-like form, leading to poor power capability and severe capacity fading. To address these challenges, we have developed a modification technique that involves fusing LaF 3 -decorated with La/F-doping. Protecting the electrode/electrolyte interface, inert LaF 3 particles decorate on the LNCM surface impede interfacial side reactions. La-doping near the surface enlarges the Li layer spacing and facilitates Li-ion diffusion. A stronger TM-F bond is formed when F diffuses into the bulk phase and replaces O, thereby decreasing the migration of TM. The resulting LaF 3 -modified LNCM exhibits a high capacity of 256.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and a high-power capability of 3555 W kg−1 at 10C, which is 2.5 times higher than the pristine sample. We also elucidate the relationship between the structures (i.e., oxidation state of elements, bond energy, mechanical properties, and conductivity) and electrochemical behaviors (i.e., impedance and Li-ion diffusion) to explain why the modification of LaF 3 improves the power property of the LNCM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inductive power transfer (IPT) systems offer a promising solution to multiple major hurdles associated with electric vehicles, such as the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, driving range anxiety, and significant charging time. With the aid of IPT systems, dynamic wireless charging enables electric vehicles to be charged when running over the IPT power pads. The objective of this study is to minimise the overall cost of charging infrastructure by optimising the deployment of IPT transmitters and the battery size required to support charging for electric buses. A mixed-integer linear programming model is proposed and solved using the commercial solver Gurobi. Bus route information and the characteristics of electric buses, such as weight, drag coefficient and frontal area, are used as input to run the traffic simulation in SUMO to get time-varying velocity and acceleration data during bus operations. A bus route in Auckland, New Zealand, is used as a case study in the presented numerical experiments. A strong correlation between the velocity of the bus and the state of charge is identified. The largest cost component is the charging pad, followed by the battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the Just–Pope approach to investigate the effects of seasonal weather variables and extremes on the mean yield and yield variability of rice, bajra, chickpea, groundnut and sugarcane in India during the period 1990–2015. Results reveal that changes in rainfall and evapotranspiration across seasons largely affect mean yields for most crops, including bajra, chickpea and groundnut. However, high summer rainfall and low monsoon evapotranspiration extremes reduce groundnut and chickpea yield variability. Considering the importance of water availability to crop yields, this study suggests improving irrigation and water reallocation and management to reduce the severity of seasonal climate effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the effect of diet on gut bacteria of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (rice leaf folder, RLF), we compared the composition and diversity of gut bacterial community in C. medinalis larvae collected from three different rice variety fields of Minghui 82 (RLF1), Youngyong 15 (RLF2) and Minghui 2155 (RLF3), using culture‐independent PCR (V3 variable region)‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) methods and hypervariable region (V4) of 16S rRNA sequenced by Illumina HiSeq platform. The DGGE result showed that the bacteria genera Asaia, Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter and Serratia coexisted in the guts of RLF1, RLF2 and RLF3, while Cedecea, Burkholderia and Acinetobacter coexisted in the guts of RLF2 and RLF3. However, only the genus Enterococcus existed in the guts of RLF1, and Pantoea, Wolbachia and Tumebacillus in RLF3 larvae. A total of 25 bacterial phyla, 48 classes, 127 orders, 223 families, and 406 genera were identified when using 16s RNA sequencing, with 35 genera coexisted in RLF1, RLF2 and RLF3 larval guts, while 83, 36, 141 unique genera existed in RLF1, RLF2 and RLF3, respectively. The indices of ACE and Shannon were not significantly different among RLF1, RLF2 and RLF3. The dominant bacterial taxa were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and Acinetobacter and Wolbachia at the genus level. The relative genus abundance for the genera with relative abundance (≥0.01) was significantly different among RLF1, RLF2 and RLF3. The findings indicated that different rice varieties had significant effects on the relative abundance of gut bacteria in RLF, which could provide new insights into the relationship between insect gut bacteria and their associated host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is critical for the treatment regimen and prognosis. We aim to develop and validate machine learning (ML)-based predictive models for LNM in patients with ICC. Methods: A total of 345 patients with clinicopathological characteristics confirmed ICC from Jan 2007 to Jan 2019 were enrolled. The predictors of LNM were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic analysis. The selected variables were used for developing prediction models for LNM by six ML algorithms, including Logistic regression (LR), Gradient boosting machine (GBM), Extreme gradient boosting (XGB), Random Forest (RF), Decision tree (DT), Multilayer perceptron (MLP). We applied 10-fold cross validation as internal validation and calculated the average of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to measure the performance of all models. A feature selection approach was applied to identify importance of predictors in each model. The heat map was used to investigate the correlation of features. Finally, we established a web calculator using the best-performing model. Results: In multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors including alcoholic liver disease (ALD), smoking, boundary, diameter, and white blood cell (WBC) were identified as independent predictors for LNM in patients with ICC. In internal validation, the average values of AUC of six models ranged from 0.820 to 0.908. The XGB model was identified as the best model, the average AUC was 0.908. Finally, we established a web calculator by XGB model, which was useful for clinicians to calculate the likelihood of LNM. Conclusion: The proposed ML-based predicted models had a good performance to predict LNM of patients with ICC. XGB performed best. A web calculator based on the ML algorithm showed promise in assisting clinicians to predict LNM and developed individualized medical plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to uncoordinated economic progress, China's regional gap concerning energy efficiency (EE) is noticeable. However, industrial structure adjustments can be reorganized as a promising way to prioritize the green and low-carbon transition. Aiming to understand how regional EE can be achieved through industrial structure adjustment, this study empirically investigates the role of industrial structure adjustment in increasing interprovincial EE from a technology innovation perspective. Unlike previous studies, the primary analytical framework is anchored on a spatio-temporal domain. Specifically, we observe that industrial structure rationalization and industrial structure adjustment not only directly influence local EE but also indirectly exert a positive effect on EE improvements in adjacent provinces. The same implications are also valid when addressing the EE-ICT nexus. Further mechanism analysis shows that technology innovation positively moderates industrial structure adjustment to EE enhancements, with regional heterogeneity being all-important. We find that the non-linear effect of industrial structure adjustment on EE is conditioned by technology innovation. Increasing R&D input intensity could significantly change the impacts of industrial structure adjustments on EE efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain nations have opted for stimulus-based regulations to curtail emissions, build a liveable, environmentally friendly setting, and work towards aspirational mitigation targets. New Zealand (NZ) prefers an Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) to taxation, mitigating emissions on one hand while retaining incentives for economic growth on the other. As a result, NZ has initiated a legal framework since 2008 to allow its economic sectors to engage in ETS and minimize emissions. Yet, selecting the appropriate sectors and effectively adjusting sector-specific regulations remain critical and complex challenges in the global design of ETS since both excessive and insufficient intervention can lead to inefficiencies in the system's functioning. Therefore, this study begins validating the NZ ETS's abatement potential regarding sectoral carbon intensity by executing the double machine learning techniques, consolidating the ETS efficacy that has robustly mitigated sectoral carbon intensity in NZ during 2006–2020. However, this conclusion seems invalid at the disaggregated level when focusing on forward-backward linkages, where NZ's input-output tables furnish a compelling scenario of sectoral dependencies and the products (residuals) they provide. Altogether, the regulatory requirements are either too strict or too lax, leaving out five of the 24 (as a whole) key sectors. Rather, the ETS could be powerful, providing these five key sectors are well tackled, necessitating a reformulation of the ongoing ETS regulatory regime. • NZ ETS robustly cut sectoral emission intensity at the aggregate level. • The causal effect is verified using a double machine learning model. • The NZ ETS singled out five key sectors. • NZ ETS regulatory system is invalid at the disaggregated level. • The ecological-economic Input-Output table is built to conduct analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is an essential instrument tightly interconnected with the stock and energy markets. This study innovatively incorporates the ETS, stock, and energy markets into an integrated framework to model the return and volatility spillovers. We utilize a dynamic Time-Varying AutoRegressive procedure grounded in both the temporal and frequency domains. Our findings certify time-varying effects in both return and volatility spillovers. Remarkably, extreme events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and New Zealand's ETS-led policies have contributed substantially to these spillovers. Specifically, for return spillovers, the price movements of the stock and the crude oil markets are distinctly influenced by the ETS and electricity markets. On the other hand, volatility spillovers in stock and energy markets are predominantly dominated by the ETS. Furthermore, return and volatility spillovers exhibit substantial heterogeneity across different frequencies, with long-term effects making up the most considerable portion of cross-market spillovers. These findings help gain a deeper understanding of dynamic feedback effects and offer valuable implications for policymakers and market participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of globalization, the role of the digital economy in carbon emissions may generate spatial spill over effects. This study comprehensively applies a spatial model to understand the nexus between the digital economy and carbon emissions in 67 economies from 2010 to 2019. Specifically, this study contributes by introducing a spatial panel threshold model, which helps to present the new evidence regarding decarbonization process. Empirical findings exemplify that the digital economy remarkably reduces local carbon emissions, with the positive spatial spill over effects being salient. The spatial moderating effect model uncover that globalization positively affects the nexus between the digital economy and carbon emissions. Interestingly, the spatial panel threshold model designates that the digital economy's reduction effect on local carbon emissions will be tightened, whereas the positive spatial spill over effects turn negative only when globalization surpasses a threshold. Our model has the potential to explain some results that traditional models cannot reach. • Digital economy (DE) negatively effects CO2 emissions (CE). • DE has significant positive spillovers on CEs in surrounding areas. • The joint effect between DE and globalization on CEs is positive. • There is a non-linear relationship between DE and CEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the relationship between government regulation and natural gas price distortion is conducive to providing reference for coordinating the relationship between government and market in the process of natural gas market reform. This study examines the impact of government regulation on natural gas price distortions in China, emphasizing sectoral differences in industrial, residential, and commercial sectors. Utilizing production function and equal calorific value methods, the research uncovers significant variations in price distortions across these sectors, with residential gas exhibiting the highest distortion due to prolonged government control and cross‐subsidization. Theoretical analysis, underpinned by the Peltzman model, reveals that price elasticity of end users and political returns significantly influence the extent of distortion. The empirical analysis, employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, demonstrates that government regulations have a pronounced effect on residential gas prices, while marketization moderates distortions, benefiting the industrial sector but exacerbating distortions in the residential sector. The study suggests a strategic reduction in residential subsidies, alignment of commercial prices with international markets, and phased deregulation, particularly in the commercial sector, to stimulate competition and market efficiency. The findings underscore the necessity for a balanced approach in natural gas market reforms, integrating both government regulation and market forces to achieve sustainable energy transition and economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the energy intensity reduction targets set by the Chinese government policymakers need to understand the key drivers that contribute to regional variations in energy intensity. Understanding regional differences will contribute to the design of more effective energy policies. To facilitate this understanding we estimate a penalized panel quantile regression model that accounts for unobserved individual heterogeneity and distributional heterogeneity across the regions of China. The effects of economic growth, urbanization, foreign direct investment, energy structure, and industrialization, on energy intensity differ across quantiles. The effects of economic growth and foreign direct investment on energy intensity are negative and significant at every quantile. A 1% increase in foreign direct investment decreases energy intensity along the entire conditional distribution, ranging from 7.5% at 10th quantile to 3.7% at 90th quantile. The effects of urbanization and industrialization on energy intensity are positive and significant at every quantile. Moreover, a 1% increase in industrialization lifts energy intensity by 54% at 10th quantile and 33% per cent at 90th quantile. The results from a Shapley decomposition model further show that economic growth is the most prominent factor that contributes to energy intensity differences, following by industrialization, foreign direct investment and energy structure. • The major determinants of energy intensity are analyzed. • The regional energy intensity differences are measured. • The contribution of each determinant on energy intensity differences is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A facile and straightforward strategy was used to prepare carbon dots (CDs) using catechol as carbon source in one-pot hydrothermal method. The synthesis method is simple without any doping and modification and the prepared CDs do not require any post-processing. Characterizations of the obtained CDs indicated that they had high crystallinity and higher quantum yield (QY, 32%) than most non-functionalized and non-doped CDs. Noticeably, the fluorescence of CDs could be quenched with hypochlorite (ClO−) by oxidation of the residual pyrocatechol groups on the surface to o -benzoquinone exhibiting high sensitivity and selectivity for ClO−. The assay covered a linear range from 0.1 to 10 μM with a low detection limit of 30 nM. The results showed that the CDs provided a promising potential tool for the detection of ClO− in real water samples. Graphical abstract Non-doped and non-modifized CDs using catechol as a single carbon source was synthesized as ClO− sensor, based on the oxidation of the remaining catechol groups on the surface of CDs to o -quinone. Image 1 Highlights • The use of CDs for anions detection is far less than that of metal ions detection. • We prepared non-doped and unmodified fluorescent CDs with high QY using catechol. • The fluorescence of CDs was closely related to the presence of ClO−. • The proposed CDs could be used as sensor for ClO− sensitively and selectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free flow of energy cannot be fully achieved in China's energy market because of incomplete market-oriented reform, resulting in energy allocation distortion, which has hampered carbon emissions reduction. However, the extent of energy allocation distortion and its role in carbon emission efficiency remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to measure energy allocation distortion and investigate its impact on carbon emission efficiency. For this purpose, first, we derive energy allocation distortion based on a production function and carbon emission efficiency using a meta-frontier non-radial Malmquist index. To effectively address the endogeneity issue, we use a generalized method of moments model to estimate the impact of energy allocation distortion on carbon emission efficiency. Second, we further explore the distortionary mechanism of carbon emission efficiency associated with energy allocation and analyze the asymmetric effect of energy allocation distortion on carbon emission efficiency. The results show a certain degree of energy allocation distortion throughout the country, and disparity exists among different regions. The average value of carbon emission efficiency in the eastern region is 1.0286, well ahead of the national average, demonstrating better performance than other regions. Energy allocation distortion negatively affects carbon emission efficiency, with a 1% increase in energy allocation distortion leading to a 0.251% decrease in carbon emission efficiency. Technological progress, the structure of energy consumption, and industrial structure are important transmission channels through which energy allocation affects carbon emission efficiency. The study contributes to uncovering regional energy allocation distortion and its impacts on carbon emission efficiency and providing strategic policy recommendations for improving energy allocation efficiency. • We calculate the degree of energy allocation distortion. • Energy allocation distortion exhibits disparities across regions in China. • Energy allocation distortion negatively affects carbon emission efficiency. • Important mediators through which energy allocation affects CEE are identified. • Energy allocation's asymmetric effect on carbon emission efficiency is examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More efficient instruments for body constitution identification are needed for clinical practice. We aimed to develop the short-form version of the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) and evaluate for health management. Methods: First, the short forms were developed through expert survey, classical test theory (CTT), and modern item response (IRT) based on the CCMQ. A combination of e-mail and manual methods was used in expert survey. Then, five indexes of CTT including criteria value-critical ratio, correlation coefficient, discrete tendency, internal consistency, and factor loading were used. And, IRT method was used through analyzing the discrimination and difficulty parameters of items. Second, the three top-ranked items of each constitution scale were selected for the simplified CCMQ, based on the three combined methods of different conditions and weights. Third, The psychometric properties such as completion time, validity (Construct, criterion, and divergent validity), and reliability (test–retest and internal consistency reliability) were evaluated. Finally, the diagnostic validity of the best short-form used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Three short-form editions were developed, and retained items 27, 23 and 27, which are named as WangQi nine body constitution questionnaire of Traditional Chinese Medicine (short-form) (SF-WQ9CCMQ)- A, B, and C, respectively. SF-WQ9CCMQ- A is showed the best psychometric property on Construct validity, Criterion validity, test–retest reliability and internal consistency reliability. The diagnostic validity indicated that the area under the ROC curve was 0.928 (95%CI: 0.924–0.932) for the Gentleness constitution scale, and were 0.895–0.969 and 0.911–0.981 for unbalance constitution scales using the cut-off value of the original CCMQ as 40 ("yes" standard) and 30 ("tendency" standard), respectively. Conclusions: Our study successfully developed a well short-form which has good psychometric property, and excellent diagnostic validity consistent with the original. New and simplified instrument and opportunity are provided for body constitution identification, health management and primary care implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on an extended STIRPAT framework, this paper investigates the effects of financial development on carbon emission intensity in OECD countries from linear and non-linear perspectives, where financial development is proxied by three dimensions: financial deepening, financial deepening, and financial size, and financial efficiency. Fortunately, three types of financial development significantly alleviate carbon emission intensity. An extended moderation effect model is built to estimate the effect of financial development via information and communication technology on carbon emission intensity. The results reveal that internet-based information and communication technology and service-based information and communication technology are positively correlated with carbon emission intensity. To effectively handle the endogeneity issue triggered by causal relationships between variables and allow potential non-linear nexus, an advanced dynamic panel threshold model incorporating the generalised method of moments is employed to investigate how financial development affects carbon emission intensity under different types of information and communication technology. Empirical evidence demonstrates the significance of the non-linear nexus between financial development and carbon emission intensity. Lastly, heterogeneity analysis demonstrates the existence of heterogeneity associated with institutional quality, degree of economic development, and resource endowment concerning the effect of financial development on carbon emission intensity among the OECD countries. • Financial development negatively affects carbon emission intensity. • There is a non-linear relationship between financial development and carbon emission intensity. • The reduction effect of financial development on carbon emission intensity exists significantly heterogeneous. • The interaction effect between financial development and ICT on carbon emission intensity is relatively weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]