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The Late Triassic witnessed significant collisional orogenic events in the Qinling orogenic belt, accompanied by magma underplating and tectonic deformation. These processes potentially resulted in substantial crustal thickening and uplift of the Qinling orogen. However, due to the absence of igneous rock records from this period in the eastern section of the Qinling orogen, the changes in crustal thickness during this orogenic process have not been thoroughly investigated. A series of foreland basins emerged during the Early Mesozoic to the south of the East Qinling orogenic belt. These basins have preserved clastic sedimentary rocks derived from the uplift and erosion of the orogenic belt. These sedimentary records serve as crucial records to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Qinling orogen. To further clarify the collisional orogenic process of the Qinling orogenic belt, this study conducted in situ volcanic lithic fragment geochemistry, detrital zircon U-Pb chronology and trace element composition analysis on the sandstones of the Lower Jurassic Tongzhuyuan Formation in the Zigui Basin. The results suggest that the sandstones, which exhibit a significant abundance of volcanic lithic fragments, has a characteristic detrital zircon age group of 250–200 Ma, indicating a major provenance from the Triassic volcanic rocks. Combined with regional correlation and paleocurrent analysis, the detrital zircon U-Pb age data show that the source area of volcanic rocks should be in the Qinling orogenic belt to the north of the basin. This interpretation is further supported by the Triassic granitic rocks exposed in the western part of the orogenic belt, representing the magmatism during the Triassic collisional orogenesis in the Qinling orogen. Based on the co-varying relationships between present-day crust thickness with the chemical compositions of granite rocks and zircons, the La/Yb ratio of volcanic lithic fragments in the Tongzhuyuan Formation and the Eu/Eu ratio of detrital zircons with Triassic ages indicate that the Qinling orogen experienced crustal thickening during the Late Triassic, reaching its maximum thickness of 60–70 km at ca. 220–210 Ma. This crustal thickening in the eastern Qinling orogen is temporally consistent with that in the western orogen as recorded by the Triassic granitic rocks and may be related to large-scale crustal shortening and magmatism during the collisional orogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling‐Dabie‐Sulu orogen is the eastern part of the Central China Orogenic Belt. Looking back on previous studies of the sedimentary record we systematically compiled the dataset of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes for this orogenic belt. The dataset incorporates a comprehensive compilation of 32,449 detrital zircon U–Pb ages and 979 Hf isotopes. The findings demonstrate that distinct tectonic units within the orogenic belt exhibit unique tectonic evolution histories during various geological epochs. This dataset can be used to constrain the tectonic framework and orogenic evolution including ocean subduction, continental collision and orogen exhumation. It can be integrated with other geological datasets to improve our understanding of the Central Orogenic Belt in China, and possibly plate tectonics globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) emerged as a promising network paradigm that provides computation, storage and networking features within the edge of the pervasive mobile radio access network. This paper jointly considers computation offloading and resource allocation problem in device-to-device (D2D)-assisted and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-empowered MEC systems, where each mobile device (MD) is allowed to execute its task in one of the three ways, i.e., local computing, MEC offloading or D2D offloading. We invoke orthogonal multiple access (OMA) and NOMA schemes for MDs that select D2D offloading mode, allowing them to assign tasks to their peers using OMA or NOMA. The original problem is formulated as an overall energy consumption minimization problem, which proves to be NP-hard, making it intractable to solve optimally. We start from a simple case, OMA case and transform the original problem into two sub-problems, i.e., resource allocation sub-problem and computation offloading sub-problem and propose two heuristic algorithms to obtain the sub-optimal solutions of both sub-problems. Then, for the MDs selecting D2D offloading mode, we conduct user pairing and apply the NOMA scheme. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme when compared with the related schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile edge computing (MEC) has recently emerged as an effective paradigm to enhance the computing capability of capability-limited mobile devices (MDs). In this article, we consider an MEC system consisting of a number of MEC servers and one MD which generates a series of tasks characterized by their dependency relationships. We study computation scheduling and offloading problem of the tasks. To improve the task processing performance, we first propose a parallel transmission and execution (PTE) scheme, based on which we design a computation scheduling and offloading algorithm. Considering the fairness among tasks in terms of task transmission and execution time, we formulate the computation scheduling and offloading problem as a constrained worst-case latency optimization problem which minimizes the maximum completion time of all the tasks. As the original optimization problem cannot be solved conveniently, we first categorize the tasks into high priority tasks (HPTs), medium priority tasks (MPTs) and low priority tasks (LPTs) based on their task execution status and causal relationship. Then, a dynamic priority-based computation scheduling and offloading algorithm is proposed, which designs computation scheduling and offloading strategy for dynamically-changed HPTs and MPTs, respectively. In particular, for HPTs, a multiple knapsack-based heuristic algorithm is proposed, and a task weight and data size-based computation scheduling and offloading algorithm is further proposed for MPTs. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular device-to-device (D2D) communication networks are expected to improve user quality of service and network transmission performance significantly. In this paper, we apply the technology of wireless network virtualization to cellular D2D communication networks, and slice physical base stations into virtual base stations (VBSs). The problems of transmission mode selection, resource allocation and VBS association are jointly studied. Stressing the importance of the service delay of all the user equipments in the networks, we formulate the joint optimal design problem as a service delay minimization problem. As the formulated optimization problem is an NP-hard problem, which cannot be solved conveniently, we propose a heuristic algorithm, which iteratively solves three subproblems, i.e., transmission mode selection subproblem, resource allocation subproblem and VBS association subproblem. In particular, to solve the resource allocation and VBS association subproblems, we apply Lagrange dual method and modified Kuhn–Munkres algorithm, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software-defined networking (SDN) is proposed as a new network paradigm which decouples control plane from data plane and provides flexible network management. In this paper, we consider the capacitated controller placement problem in SDN, which jointly determines the number, location, and the capacity matching strategy of SDN controllers. redTo stress the importance of control plane delay which is composed of both the transmission and processing delay between controllers and switches, and the inter-controller delay; we formulate control plane delay minimization problem subject to controller-switch association constraints, controller capacity constraints, etc. Since the formulated optimization problem is a complicated nonlinear integer programming problem which cannot be solved easily, we transform it into controller-switch association subproblem and controller capacity matching subproblem. To solve the controller-switch association subproblem, we propose a heuristic algorithm based on Dijkstra algorithm and K-means algorithm. Given the controller-switch association strategy, we then apply the Kuhn-Munkres (K-M) algorithm to solve the controller capacity matching subproblem and obtain the capacitated controller placement strategy. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was developed by the modification of poly(p-aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (pABSA), Au-polythionine (Au-pTH) nanowires, and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on glassy carbon electrode surface for bisphenol A (BPA) detection. The results of characterizations including scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and X-ray diffraction showed the successful synthesis of helical structural Au-pTH nanowires, which acted as an electro-active probe for BPA detection. Cyclic voltammetry results illustrated that the modified pABSA, Au-pTH, and MIP endowed the sensor with good electrocatalytic activity, the second current signal, and recognition ability, respectively. Since the imprinted cavities provided electron transfer channels for thionine (TH) redox, the peak current of TH can be found in a blank electrolyte. The added BPA molecules can be rebound in imprinted cavities, which are oxidized and then display its current. The rebound BPA molecules in turn blocked the electron transfer channels for TH redox, resulting in the decrease of TH current. A double signal defined, as the sum of the changes of TH current (∆iTH|) and BPA current (|∆iBPA|) (|∆iTH|+|∆iBPA|), was employed as the detected signal for BPA sensitive detection, which was linearly proportional to the logarithm of concentration of BPA ranging from 8.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol/L with a limit of detection of 3.8 × 10−8 mol/L (S/N = 3) in a weakly acidic solution. Moreover, the natural recognition ability of MIP enabled the sensor to selectively detect BPA from its analogues. The proposed dual-signal strategy-based sensor provided a feasible tool for rapid, sensitive, and selective determination of BPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) composed of macrocells and small cells are expected to improve the transmission performance of users significantly. Designing efficient resource allocation schemes, specifically, bandwidth allocation and power allocation schemes for HetNets is of particular importance for it may affect user quality of service (QoS) and network performance severely. In this paper, we consider the resource allocation problem of a HetNet composed of a macrocell and a number of femtocells and propose a resource characteristic and user QoS oriented bandwidth and power allocation algorithm for the femto base stations (FBSs) which share spectrum with the macro base station. By taking into account the service requirements of the femto user equipments (FUEs) and the bandwidth resource characteristics of the network, various bandwidth resource allocation schemes are proposed. Particularly, in the case of slightly insufficient bandwidth resource, we propose a bankruptcy game based bandwidth resource allocation algorithm for the FBSs, and solve the bandwidth allocation problem by means of Shapley value method. To stress the tradeoff between data rate and power consumption, we examine the energy efficiency of the FBSs and formulate the power allocation problem as a multi-objective optimization problem with the objectives of maximizing the energy efficiency of all the FBSs. The optimal power allocation strategy can be obtained by solving the optimization problem via ideal point method and generic algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behavior of the 40MnBH alloy is investigated by isothermal compression tests at the temperature of 900-1200 °C with the strain rate of 0.05, 0.5, and 5s−1, and the degree of compression ranging from 15 to 60%. The effects of deformation parameters are studied through the true stress-strain curve under different deformation conditions. The processing maps are constructed based on the dynamic material model. Microstructures of 40MnBH steel at different deformation conditions are observed. The results show that the stress of the alloy has a dependence on strain rate and deformation temperature. A constitutive model is built, which described the flow stress behavior of the alloy. The processing maps reveal that with the increase in the degree of compression, the instability regions decrease. The results of processing maps have been verified through the microstructures of the 40MnBH steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) are expected to improve spectrum utilization significantly by allowing secondary users (SUs) to opportunistically access the licensed spectrum of primary users (PUs). In an integrated network consisting of multiple heterogeneous CRNs, SUs with multiple interfaces may have to conduct inter-system or intra-system spectrum handoff due to the arrival of PUs or performance degradation on serving spectrum. In this case, designing an optimal spectrum handoff scheme which offers quality of service (QoS) guarantee and performance enhancement of the SUs is of particular importance. On the other hand, resource allocation strategy on target channel also plays an important role in affecting the transmission performance of handoff SUs. In this paper, we jointly design spectrum handoff and resource allocation strategy for handoff SUs in heterogeneously integrated CRNs. To achieve joint resource management among various CRNs, we propose a joint radio resource management architecture, based on which the proposed spectrum handoff and resource allocation scheme can be conducted. Jointly considering the transmission performance of the handoff SUs, we formulate the total energy efficiency of the SUs and design an optimization problem which maximizes the energy efficiency subject to spectrum handoff, QoS, and power constraints of the SUs. An iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the formulated nonlinear fractional optimization problem. Within each iteration, the optimization problem is transformed equivalently into two subproblems, i.e., power allocation subproblem of each SU-spectrum pair and spectrum handoff subproblem for all the SUs. The two subproblems are solved, respectively, through applying Lagrange dual method and the Kuhn-Munkres (K-M) algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of mobile broadband services with continuously increasing traffic volumes has resulted in a number of challenges, including ubiquitous network coverage, high bandwidth, and reliable services for reasonable price, etc. To address these challenges, evolved packet system (EPS) is proposed as the evolution of the packet core network. While resource management and load balancing issues in EPS are discussed in 3GPP standardization, relatively few research works consider mechanism design for load information monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, even though some load balancing algorithms have been proposed for integrated networks, the load balancing scheme design which achieves the optimization of joint system performance has not been extensively studied. In this paper, an inter-access system anchor based load balancing mechanism is introduced which performs load monitoring and evaluation for access gateways and networks, and an optimal load balancing algorithm is proposed for heterogeneous integrated networks. To characterize the performance of integrated networks, the concept of utility function is introduced and the comprehensive performance of integrated networks which support both single type service and multimedia service is modeled mathematically. Applying vertical handoff as an efficient mechanism for achieving load balancing, the optimal number of handoff users is obtained through solving the optimization problem. Numerical results demonstrate that load balancing between access networks can be achieved, and the optimal number of handoff users corresponding to the maximal joint network utility can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hot flow behaviors of 20CrMnTiH steel are studied using isothermal compression tests corresponding to the temperature range from 973 to 1123K and the strain rates range from 0.01 to 10s−1. The flow behaviors of 20CrMnTiH steel are represented, which are based on the analysis of true stress–true strain curves. The results show that there exist typical dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) during hot deformation. The effect of hot deformation on microstructure is investigated. There exists a dual phase feature within the deformation temperature. A modified Zerilli–Armstrong (ZA) model, based upon the original ZA model and Johnson–Cook model, is proposed to describe the flow stress under different deformation conditions. Compared with experimental data, the modified ZA model has a good accuracy in describing the constitutive relation of the material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Arrhenius-type constitutive equation considering strain compensation and BP neural network model are used to analyze the hot deformation behavior of XC45 steel. The experimental data are acquired from hot compression tests in Gleeble-1500 thermal–mechanical simulator in the range of temperature from 1053K to 1253K and strain rates from 0.01s−1 to 10s−1. The predictabilities of Arrhenius-type constitutive model and back propagation (BP) neural network model can be evaluated based on the correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE) and average absolute relative error (AARE), and their predictabilities can be compared through several verification methods. It can be found that the BP neural network model is better in the predictable ability than the Arrhenius-type constitutive model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nano-Au and methylene blue (MB) were assembled layer-by-layer (LBL) into films on the glassy carbon electrode modified by thiourea for detection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). The electrode modification process was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The factors influencing the performance of the amperometric immunosensor were studied in detail. Tests performed with this immunosensor showed good linearity, the working range for the system was 1.0–100.0mIU/mL with a detection limit of 0.3mIU/mL at 3σ. Moreover, the studied immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and long-term stability. The present work supplied a promising test method for clinical immunoassay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A sandwiched electrochemical sensor was developed based on boronate affinity. • Boronate affinity and MIP endowed the sensor with dual-recognition ability to OVA. • The current changes of TH and Fc were combined as a dual-signal for OVA detection. • The sensor opened an avenue for glycoproteins selectively sensitive detection. Glycoproteins play extraordinary roles in biology and clinic. The specifically sensitive detection of glycoproteins by electrochemical methods is still a challenging task due to their poor electro-activity and sensitive nature to environment. In this work, ovalbumin (OVA), a model glycoprotein, was sensitively detected by a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based electrochemical sensor, which was prepared by electropolymerizing 3-thiophene boric acid in the presence of OVA. Due to boronate affinity, the rebound OVA interacted with ferrocene boric acid (Fc-BA) to construct a sandwich structural sensing platform. Dual-recognition elements, imprinted effect and the boronate affinity, enabled the sensor to recognize OVA from other proteins. The rebinding of OVA caused the current changes of thionine and Fc-BA, which were combined as a dual-signal for OVA sensitive detection with a low limit of detection of 0.82 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The good performances of sensor indicated its potential applications in clinical diagnosis and other related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An earliest Jurassic provenance change has been recognized in the Zigui Basin in central China. • Late Triassic sediments in the Zigui basin were mainly derived from the South China block. • Early Jurassic sandstones in the Zigui basin denote a volcanic source in the Qingling orogen. • Provenance change was ascribed to the collisional orogensis in the Qinling orogen. The Qinling mountains are situated in central China and mark the collisional assembly between the North and South China blocks. To understand the early Mesozoic evolution of the Qinling orogenic belt, we present new paleocurrent data, sandstone petrology and detrital zircon U-Pb ages for Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic sedimentary successions in the Zigui Basin in the northern margin of the South China block. The deltaic sandstones in the Upper Triassic Jiuligang Formation have high concentrations of quartz grains and the basal alluvial conglomerates of the Lower Jurassic Tongzhuyuan Formation contain abundant chert gravels with sandy matrixs rich in quartz grains. Both the Upper Triassic sandstones and Lower Jurassic conglomerate have two major detrital zircon U-Pb age groups of 2100–1700 Ma and 950–700 Ma with very few Phanerozoic ages. The overlying fluvial sandstones of the Tongzhuyuan Formation display relative enrichment in volcanic and metamorphic rock fragments. They are characterized by primary zircon U-Pb age groups of 250–200 Ma and 950–700 Ma. Consistent with the northwestward paleocurrents, zircon grains of 2100–1700 Ma and 900–700 Ma were likely derived directly or recycled from the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic basement of the South China Block, with the latter also possibly sourced from the Qinling orogen. The 250–200 Ma age group is understood to be associated with volcanic rock fragments and, considering the southward paleocurrents, indicates a volcanic source within the Qinling orogen. Along with the increased low-grade metamorphic rock fragments in sandstones, this significant provenance change in the Early Jurassic indicates the initial massive erosion and rapid southward propagation of the south Qinling orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on using "General Practitioners–Specialists" (GP-S) mode to teach the patients with asthma to master inhalation skills. 200 patients with asthma being admitted to the respiratory department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital were included in the study from January to December in 2018. There were 100 cases in the control group and 100 cases in the experimental group. The control groups received routine instruction and the experimental group adopted GP-S mode education, respectively, to learn mastering dry powder inhaler skills. The level of mastery and errors in the use of inhaled medications were recorded after each guidance. After four times' instruction in two different ways, the patient's mastery of inhalation skills gradually improved. After the guidance through the GP-S mode, the incidence of inhalation errors after each times instruction was 67%, 28%, and 7%, respectively. The later one was significantly lower than the previous one (67% vs. 28%, χ2 = 30.496, p < 0.001; 28% vs. 7%, χ2 = 15.273, p < 0.001). After twice instructions, the GP-S mode was associated with the lower incidence of inhaler device operating errors versus the regular guidance method (10% vs. 26%, χ2 = 8.672, p = 0.005); the same as the third guidance (2% vs. 11%, χ2 = 6.664, p = 0.018). Similarly, after thrice instructions, the incidence of inhalation method errors in the GP-S mode group was significantly lower than the regular guidance mode group (4% vs. 15%, χ2 = 7.037, p = 0.018), and there was still existing statistical difference of inhalation method errors between the two groups after four times instructions (3% vs. 11%, χ2 = 4.916, p = 0.049). General Practitioners–Specialists mode can effectively improve the patient's mastery of inhalation skills, which significantly reduced the incidence of errors in the use of inhaled drugs and improved the overall management effectivity of asthma and patients' compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on using "General Practitioners–Specialists" (GP-S) mode to teach the patients with asthma to master inhalation skills. 200 patients with asthma being admitted to the respiratory department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital were included in the study from January to December in 2018. There were 100 cases in the control group and 100 cases in the experimental group. The control groups received routine instruction and the experimental group adopted GP-S mode education, respectively, to learn mastering dry powder inhaler skills. The level of mastery and errors in the use of inhaled medications were recorded after each guidance. After four times' instruction in two different ways, the patient's mastery of inhalation skills gradually improved. After the guidance through the GP-S mode, the incidence of inhalation errors after each times instruction was 67%, 28%, and 7%, respectively. The later one was significantly lower than the previous one (67% vs. 28%, χ2 = 30.496, p < 0.001; 28% vs. 7%, χ2 = 15.273, p < 0.001). After twice instructions, the GP-S mode was associated with the lower incidence of inhaler device operating errors versus the regular guidance method (10% vs. 26%, χ2 = 8.672, p = 0.005); the same as the third guidance (2% vs. 11%, χ2 = 6.664, p = 0.018). Similarly, after thrice instructions, the incidence of inhalation method errors in the GP-S mode group was significantly lower than the regular guidance mode group (4% vs. 15%, χ2 = 7.037, p = 0.018), and there was still existing statistical difference of inhalation method errors between the two groups after four times instructions (3% vs. 11%, χ2 = 4.916, p = 0.049). General Practitioners–Specialists mode can effectively improve the patient's mastery of inhalation skills, which significantly reduced the incidence of errors in the use of inhaled drugs and improved the overall management effectivity of asthma and patients' compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are proven to be key regulators in cancer biology. Our screening effort for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) prognosis-associated lncRNAs identified a novel lncRNA, ccRCC prognosis-associated transcript 4 (CRPAT4), as one of the top candidates that was previously uncharacterized. The aim of this study was to verify the clinical significance of CRPAT4 in ccRCC patients and to explore its biological role as well as the underlying mechanisms, in ccRCC cell lines. Materials and methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to demonstrate that CRPAT4 was differentially expressed between ccRCC and the normal controls and that high CRPAT4 expression significantly associated with advanced Fuhrman nuclear grades. Results: Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with The Cancer Genome Atlas KIRC RNA sequencing data indicated that high CRPAT4 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival. Functional studies indicated that CRPAT4 was an HIF-1α regulated gene, and CRPAT4 knockdown significantly inhibited cell migration and proliferation in the absence of HIF-1α. In addition, a mechanistic study revealed that CRPAT4 could regulate the expression of the migration-associated protein AVL9. Conclusion: Collectively, our study first identified CRPAT4 as a hypoxia-regulated lncRNA, acting as an oncogene in ccRCC progression via regulating AVL9 protein, thus expanding our knowledge on the hypoxia pathway in ccRCC biology from a noncoding perspective. Moreover, CRPAT4 has the potential to be a prognostic marker in ccRCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms and meat quality characteristics of different muscles were investigated to explore their potential relationships in yaks. Results showed that semitendinosus (ST), longissimus thoracis (LT), and infraspinatus (IS) have a greater ratio of MHC IIb (47.84%), MHC IIa (73.27%), and MHC I (24.26%), respectively, than the other two muscles. Compared with LT or ST, IS exhibited more intense color, greater water-holding capacity, and initial tenderness with higher intermuscular fat (IMF) and collagen (of lower cross-linking level), presenting overall better quality. Variations in MHC isoforms accounted for the muscle-specific meat quality. Specifically, MHC I was positively associated with redness, myoglobin, IMF, collagen, pH, and thermal stability and negatively associated with myofibril fragmentation index, fiber thickness, collagen cross-linking, and drip loss. These results provide insights into the relationships between MHC isoforms and meat quality in yaks and the MHC I isoform has an extensive influence on meat quality. • ST, LT, and IS muscles showed different compositions of MHC isoforms. • IS muscle was darker and redder in appearance, with higher WHC and initial tenderness. • Variations in MHC isoforms account for muscle-specific effect on meat quality. • MHC I isoform comprehensively define meat quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-dissolved organic matter (DOM) drives the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in agroecosystems. Despite many studies on DOM dynamics, hardly any attention has been directed toward DOM quality, particularly DOM composition. The aim of this study was to elucidate how C and N management practices alter soil water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) in a loess soil agroecosystem. Field experiments were conducted with a winter wheat monoculture. Three N fertilization rates (0, 120, and 240 kg ha−1 year−1) were applied for 17 years (2002–2019), combined with five C practices (zero, low, and high rates of sheep manure or wheat straw) for three years (2016–2019). The results reveal that soil organic carbon (SOC) and water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC) concentrations in the topsoil (0–20 cm) were increased by organic amendments considerably but were not affected by N fertilization. The fluorescence excitation–emission matrix spectra (EEM) of WEOM were resolved to two humic-like components (C1 and C2) and two soluble microbial byproduct-like components (C3 and C4). The proportions of C1 and C2 were increased, while the proportion of C3 was decreased by both C and N management practices. In conclusion, organic amendments increased both WEOM quality and its proportion of humic-like components, whereas N fertilization increased the proportion of humic-like components without variations of WEOM quality in the topsoil of loess soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recently developed biomimetic strategy is one of the mostly effective strategies for improving the theranostic efficacy of diverse nanomedicines, because nanoparticles coated with cell membranes can disguise as "self", evade the surveillance of the immune system, and accumulate to the tumor sites actively. Results: Herein, we utilized mesenchymal stem cell memabranes (MSCs) to coat polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) nanoparticles loaded with Fe(III) and cypate—an derivative of indocyanine green to fabricate Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs, which featured high stability, desirable tumor-accumulation and intriguing photothermal conversion efficiency both in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of lung cancer. After intravenous administration of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs and Cyp-PMAA-Fe@RBCs (RBCs, red blood cell membranes) separately into tumor-bearing mice, the fluorescence signal in the MSCs group was 21% stronger than that in the RBCs group at the tumor sites in an in vivo fluorescence imaging system. Correspondingly, the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal at the tumor site decreased 30% after intravenous injection of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs. Importantly, the constructed Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs exhibited strong photothermal hyperthermia effect both in vitro and in vivo when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation, thus it could be used for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, tumors on mice treated with phototermal therapy and radiotherapy shrank 32% more than those treated with only radiotherapy. Conclusions: These results proved that Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs could realize fluorescence/MRI bimodal imaging, while be used in phototermal-therapy-enhanced radiotherapy, providing desirable nanoplatforms for tumor diagnosis and precise treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspartic proteases (ASPs) are important hydrolases for parasitic invasion of host tissues or cells. This was the first study on Demodex ASP. First, the complete coding sequence (CDS) was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Then, the protein physical and chemical properties was analysed. Finally, the recombinant plasmid, expression and purification system was established. Results showed that the lengths of CDS of Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis were 1161 and 1173 bp, respectively. The molecular weight of the protein was approximately 40 KDa. It contained an aspartic acid residue, a substrate-binding site and signal peptide, yet lacked a transmembrane domain and was located in the membrane or extracellular matrix. The phylogenetic and conserved motif analyses showed that D. folliculorum and D. brevis clustered separately and then formed a single branch, which finally clustered with other Acariformes species. The prokaryotic expression systems for recombinant ASP with His-tag (rASP-His) and GST-tag (rASP-GST) were constructed. The inclusion bodies of rASP-His were renaturated by gradient urea and purified using NI beads, while those of rASP-GST were renaturated by sarkosyl and Triton X-100 and purified using GST beads. Conclusively, the prokaryotic expression and purification system of Demodex rASP was successfully established for further pathogenic mechanism research. • The first study on Demodex ASP gene amplification, expression and purification. • ASP CDSs were successfully amplified by OE-PCR from the two human Demodex species. • ASP of two species predicted to be a secretory protein with similar conserved motifs. • Modified urea gradient and S-T methods were suitable to renaturate inclusion bodies. • It provides a basis for study on molecular pathogenic mechanism of ASP in Demodex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ae. albopictus and "C. pipiens subgroup" were dominant mosquito species in China. • rDNA 28S D5 of Ar. subalbatus and An. sinensis were obtained for the first time. • 28S D5 is a suitable mini-DNA barcode for mosquitoes identification in China. • Two new clades named C. cf. perexiguus and C. new sp were identified in Culex. • Body color, beak, and abdomen were valuable for identifying the Culex clades. Accurate classification and identification of mosquitoes are essential for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. In this study, adult mosquitoes were collected from 15 cities across 14 provinces in China. They were identified morphologically with the dominant species determined. Furthermore, representative samples were identified at the molecular level based on rDNA 28S D5. In total, 880 adult mosquitoes were collected belonging to Culex (266), Aedes (473), Armigeres (13), and Anopheles (5). Aedes albopictus and " C. pipiens subgroup" were the dominant species. A total of 140 sequences of 28S D5 region (68 for " C. pipiens subgroup", 51 for Ae. albopictus , 18 for Ar. subalbatus , and three for An. sinensis) ranging from 148 to 161 bp were obtained, with 100 % success of amplification and sequencing. Molecular identification were consistent with morphological classification. Sequence analysis showed that " C. pipiens subgroup" was identified into three clades: the traditional C. pipiens subgroup (Clade I), the newly discovered C. cf. perexiguus (Clade II), and C. new sp. (Clade III). Clade I contained the most abundant haplotypes (16) widely distributed without geographical differences. Clade II included six haplotypes that were aggregately distributed south of the Yangtze River. Only three sequences in Clade III showed two haplotypes with no geographical differences. Further morphological comparisons demonstrated differences in body color, beaks, and abdomens among the three clades. In conclusion, the rDNA 28S D5 region could effectively distinguish Culex, Aedes, Armigeres , and Anopheles species at the lower category level, demonstrating its potential as a mini-DNA barcode for mosquito identification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose a passive flexible ammonia sensor for aquatic supply chain monitoring; • The flexible sensor can avoid packaging damage and realize sustainable utilization. • The sensors enable wireless transmission and RF energy harvesting without battery power via RFID; • APA-ANN can improve the sensor output accuracy for loss reduction control. Traditional rigid sensors and imperfect calibration methods are difficult to meet the demand of food quality and safety monitoring in aquatic products supply chain, which requires redesign and optimization. This paper designed and optimized a passive flexible ammonia sensor based on adaptive parameter adjustment artificial neural network (APA-ANN) for aquatic monitoring. The proposed sensor could acquire ammonia information and transmit to the wireless reader by radio frequency identification (RFID) with 13.56 MHz. Through the energy harvesting module, which has a harvesting efficiency of about 63.07%, the passive flexible ammonia sensor could harvest RF energy and supply continuous power for the normal operation of sensor without battery. Oysters and abalone were selected for the sensor output calibration and verification in waterless and watery environments, respectively. The sensor output had a good fitting effect in the sensing range (R2 > 0.99932) and the APA-ANN could improve and optimize the sensor output accuracy under the multiple interference and the impact of cross-sensitivity. The final result showed that all regression coefficients were>0.997 and the accuracy of the optimization model was higher than 89.5%, which proved the applicability of the passive flexible ammonia sensor and provided a optimization method for sustainable monitoring in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of slaughter age (2.43 ± 0.20, 4.15 ± 0.19, 6.62 ± 0.18, 10.59 ± 0.74 years) and postmortem aging time (1, 24, and 72 h) on the tenderness and water-holding capacity (WHC) of yak longissimus thoracis muscles to determine the most suitable age for slaughter to ensure product consistency. Under conventional postmortem aging conditions (4 °C), muscles of each age group exhibited the effect of cold shortening. Once the cold shortening occurred, the age effect on thickening muscle fiber and developing cross-links of collagen, considered to intensify the meat toughness, became less important. Owing to greater carcass weight and intramuscular fat, muscles of the older carcass (over 6-year-old) were less influenced by the cold shortening effect during the chilling process and showed lessened sarcomere contraction, delayed formation of drip loss channels, and increased level of myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) and myofiber structural disintegration, resulting in greater tenderness and WHC, especially 6–7 years group. Aging of 72 h structurally disintegrated the collagen cross-linking and integrity of muscle fibers and elevated the MFI, improving the meat tenderness. Therefore, the suitable slaughter age for yak is 6–7 years old and after 72 h aging, improved quality of yak meat can be obtained. • Beef tenderness and WHC elevated as yak aged under postmortem aging at 4 °C. • Yaks of 6–7 years are suitable to slaughter under conventional aging condition. • Cold shortening dominated quality variations of aged (at 4 °C) yak beef across ages. • Age-related differences in cold shortening appeared after 1 h postmortem. • Collagen cross-links increased as animals grew while reduced during postmortem aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the association between KRAS proto-oncogene GTPase (KRAS), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutations, and the clinical features and survival prognosis in 50 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The most common concurrent single gene mutation was TP53, followed by KRAS and PIK3CA. Co-existing mutations were found in 17 patients. KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 mutations were associated with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 expression, invasive growth, vacuolar signs and margin lobulation on chest CT. The incidence of distant metastasis (bone and adrenal) with KRAS and TP53 mutations was greater than that of local metastasis (pleura). Patients with the wild-type genes experienced longer progression-free survival (PFS) times than those with KRAS, TP53, KRAS/TP53 or PIK3CA/TP53 mutations. Patients with KRAS/TP53 or PIK3CA/TP53 mutations experienced shorter PFS times than those with a single KRAS or TP53 mutation. KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 mutations were associated with distant metastases and a poor prognosis. Patients with NSCLC should receive routine KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 gene sequencing to determine mutations for the analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of traffic demands has posed challenges and difficulties on both the radio access networks (RANs) and the backhaul links. While heterogeneous networks (HetNets) are expected to offer diverse radio access capabilities and improve the transmission performance of user equipments (UEs) significantly through integrating various RANs efficiently, the backhaul links may still experience challenges in offering quality of service (QoS) guaranteed services to UEs. To tackle these problems, caching technology, more specifically, caching user contents at the infrastructures of different RANs is proposed as an effective approach. In this paper, we consider the joint user association and cache content placement problem in cache-enabled HetNets. Stressing the tradeoff between user download delay and caching cost, we introduce the concept of utility function which characterizes the joint network performance as the weighted sum of user download delay and the caching cost and formulate the joint user association and cache content placement problem as a network utility optimization problem. As the formulated optimization problem is a nonlinear integer optimization problem which cannot be solved conveniently using traditional optimization tools, we transform the original optimization problem equivalently into three convex subproblems by applying Lagrange partial relaxation and McCormick envelopes, and then propose an iterative algorithm. Within each iteration, for a given set of Lagrange multipliers, the three subproblems are solved respectively by means of the modified Kuhn-Munkres (K-M) algorithm and the locally optimal solutions can be obtained, based on which the Lagrange multipliers can be updated through applying subgradient method. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviors of Nd-Fe-B particles during the magnetic pressing process, in particular the reason for the decrease in alignment degree of green compact during pressing, were investigated systematically via the discrete element method (DEM) and experiments. The simulation results showed that the average alignment degree of the compact increased sharply under an applied magnetic field and then decreased slightly under mechanical pressure. The main reason for the decrease in alignment degree of compact was that particles in different parts of compact traveled different distances during pressing, leading to the decrease in alignment degree of particles close to the surface perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. Furthermore, these two parts of compact had different orientations after pressing since they were subjected to opposite torques. The orientations of different parts of the sintered magnet were also measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and pole figures (PFs). The experimental data were in good agreement with the simulation results. [Display omitted] • Magnetic pressing process was revealed by discrete element method (DEM) simulation and experiments. • The reasons for the decrease in alignment degree of powders during pressing was investigated. • Simulation and experimental results confirmed the uneven distribution of orientation inside a magnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic lice of Hominidae are a class of blood-sucking insects, having a large fragment expansion region in ribosome 18S V4 region. In this study, the value of the E23-5–E23-6 stem-loop structure in the insertion region for molecular identification of lice were explored through motif analysis and secondary structure construction. Five pubic lice samples from China were morphologically identified, and primers for the rRNA 18S V4 region were designed for molecular identification. The V4 sequence of the parasitic lice of Hominidae was retrieved from GenBank for sequence analysis. The five samples were identified as pubic lice based on V4 region, which were of the same specie but geographically different from Australian strains in Genbank, with the identity of 99.06-99.46%. Compared with the human lice, both the chimpanzee lice and pubic lice had large indel fragments in the V4 region. Comparison results showed that Muscle and MAFFT had better alignment and phylogeny results than Clustal. The large expansion region, comprising E23-5 and E23-6, was located between E23-4 and E23-7. The V4 secondary structure showed that the stem-loop structures of the lice parasitizing on pubic area, human, and chimpanzee were different in the E23-5 and E23-6, which could effectively distinguish the three parasitic lice and divide the human lice into five genotypes. This is suitable not only for the identification of three lice species in higher taxonomic ranks but also for genotype identification of human lice in lower taxonomic ranks. The difference between the stem-loop structure is more intuitive than that between the primary sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ST, LT and IS have specific myofiber type compositions that affect redox properties. • IS is prone to higher-level oxidation, especially protein oxidation. • Type Ⅰ myofiber positively correlated with T -Mb content and antioxidase activities. • Type Ⅰ myofiber has a positive relation with IMF and SFA and a negative one with MUFA. Yak infraspinatus (IS), longissimus thoracis (LT), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were used to explore relationships between myofiber types and postmortem redox characteristics. IS mainly consisted of myofiber type Ⅰ (49.2%), LT has a vast majority of type IIa (72.7%), while ST possessed a similar percentage of type IIa (44.7%) and IIb (51.5%). Compared with LT and ST, IS exhibited higher initial H 2 O 2 , myoglobin (T-Mb), and metmyoglobin (MetMb) contents that provoked severe protein oxidation despite higher endogenous antioxidative capacity (e.g., glutathione antioxidative system). Three muscles showed specificities in myofiber type composition and redox characteristics, which were strongly correlated. Specifically, type Ⅰ myofiber positively correlated with H 2 O 2 , T-Mb, and multiple antioxidase activity/content while negatively correlated with lipid peroxidation, MetMb, and lactic dehydrogenase activity; also, they tended to employ more SFAs in more intermuscular fat assembly. Overall, muscle-specific myofiber type/redox attributes required differentiated processing to prevent meat oxidation and produce standardized products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxisomes play important roles in metabolisms of eukaryotes and infection of plant fungal pathogens. These organelles proliferate by de novo formation or division in response to environmental stimulation. Although the assembly of peroxisomes was documented in fungal pathogens, their division and its relationship to pathogenicity remain obscure. In present work, we analyzed the roles of three Pex11 family members in peroxisomal division and pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Deletion of MoPEX11A led to fewer but enlarged peroxisomes, and impaired the separation of Woronin bodies from peroxisomes, while deletion of MoPEX11B or MoPEX11C put no evident impacts to peroxisomal profiles. MoPEX11A mutant exhibited typical peroxisome related defects, delayed conidial germination and appressoria formation, and decreased appressorial turgor and host penetration. As a result, the virulence of MoPEX11A mutant was greatly reduced. Deletion of MoPEX11B and MoPEX11C did not alter the virulence of the fungus. Further, double or triple deletions of the three genes were unable to enhance the virulence decrease in MoPEX11A mutant. Our data indicated that MoPEX11A is the main factor modulating peroxisomal division and is required for full virulence of the fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Age-related redox states during the postmortem period were investigated. • Muscles of older yak were prone to postmortem oxidation of lipid and protein. • Extending postmortem time elevated meat oxidation and reduced antioxidative capacity. • The formation of age-specific oxidative properties correlated to its antioxidant ones. • Older yak reserved more intramuscular fat with less polyunsaturated fatty acids. Effects of age on postmortem redox states were investigated in yak muscles. Extended postmortem time reduced the muscle antioxidant capacity and induced oxidation in lipids, myoglobin, and proteins. Compared with older yaks, muscles of younger ones could delay this oxidation process due to lower initial myoglobin content of 30.7%, lipid peroxidation of 42.4%, H 2 O 2 of 41.2%, and intramuscular fat of 65.6% (of 3.66 times higher PUFAs). They also possessed greater antioxidase content/activity, such as phospholipase A2 content of 30.7% and glutathione reductase activity of 50.6%. Muscles exhibited age-specific overall antioxidative characteristics during 72 h postmortem and gradually formed overall oxidative ones after 72 h postmortem with an initial similarity between 2- and 4-year (or 6- and 12-year) on canonical discriminant analyses. The formation of age-specific overall oxidative characteristics can be attributable to the antioxidative specificity of age on canonical correlation analyses. Age-specific redox characteristics required differentiated preference in meat processing and preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Mesozoic greenhouse period was characterized by variable climate conditions. The driving mechanisms of this long-term variability are unclear due to a lack of full-period climate reconstructions. In particular, reconstructions of the terrestrial environment are rare, especially reconstructions representing South China during the early Mesozoic period. We focused on the major, trace and rare earth element compositions and clay mineralogy of 173 mudstones from the northern margin of the South China Plate. These data were used as proxies to evaluate the weathering intensity and reconstruct the climate variability from the Middle Triassic to the Late Jurassic after considering the potential effects of provenance, diagenesis and sedimentary sorting and recycling. From the latest part of the Triassic to the early Middle Jurassic, five well-correlated chemical weathering indices, the chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), sodium depletion index (τNa) and weathering index of Parker (WIP), imply an advanced degree of chemical weathering (e.g., CIA corr , the corrected CIA, ranging from 71.1 to 88.0) and a clay mineral assemblage zone with abundant kaolinite. Together, these findings indicate a dominant humid climate. In the pre-Late Triassic and post-Middle Jurassic, the dominant seasonally arid climate was characterized by low and widely variable chemical weathering index values (e.g., CIA corr values of 59.4–85.4) and clay mineral assemblage zones containing chlorite, smectite and mixed-layer illite–smectite but less kaolinite. We suggest that P CO 2 variations, the megamonsoon effect, plate motion and regional topography all contributed to the observed climate changes during the early Mesozoic. • Early Mesozoic terrestrial climate change on the South China Plate was revealed. • A seasonally arid climate prevailed pre-Late Triassic and post- Middle Jurassic. • The humid climate of the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic interrupted this arid climate. • P CO 2 , a megamonsoon, plate motion and topography jointly controlled climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The closure of Mianlue Ocean lead to the collisional assembly between the North China Block (NCB) and the South China Block (SCB). But the timing of initial continental collision remains unclear, with the proposed ages ranging from the Late Permian to the Late Triassic. This study presents stratigraphic, sedimentological, tectonic subsidence, and provenance data from the Triassic strata in the Zigui and Dangyang basins lying along the eastern Qinling Orogenic Belt. These data document a tectonic transition in the central northern-SCB, and locally provide constraints on the timing of initial SCB–NCB collision. The Lower Triassic Daye Formation was deposited in a marginal basin to slope environment, and consists of mudrocks containing detrital zircons with major age peaks at ca. 1900 and 850 Ma. The overlying Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation comprises a shallowing carbonate sequence, with intercalated evaporites at the top of the formation. It contains mudrocks that are rich in detrital zircons with of ca. 270‐–245 Ma. The mixed carbonate and siliciclastic sequences of the Middle–Upper Triassic Badong Formation records tectonic uplift at its base, and contains detrital zircons with U Pb age peaks at ca. 2500, 1850, 920–800, 450 and 350–220 Ma. Combined with petrographical observations and tectonic subsidence calculation, these detrital zircon U Pb ages record a significant provenance change from recycled material derived from the SCB to newly generated detrital material from the NCB. This provenance change records the initial SCB–NCB collision in the eastern Qinling Orogenic Belt during the Early Triassic. • An Early Triassic provenance change was recognized from the Zigui and Dangyang basins. • These basins started to receive sediments from Qinling Orogen during the late Early Triassic. • Tectonic subsidence analysis denotes a basement uplift in the Middle Triassic • Initial collision between South China and North China in eastern Qinling occurred during the Early Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly sensitive and label-free amperometric immunosensor has been developed for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes-thionine (MWNTs-THI) and chitosan (CHIT) on 3-mercaptopropanesulfonic, sodium salt (MPS)-modified gold electrode surface by electrostatic adsorption. The stepwise LBL assembly process of electroactive species on electrode surface was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) in PBS. The factors influencing the performance of the resulting immunosensor were studied in detail. The morphologies of MWNTs, MWNTs-THI and GNPs–MWNTs-THI–CHIT were further characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The immunosensor was highly sensitive to CEA with a detection limit of 0.01ngmL−1 (signal/noise ratio of 3) and the linear range with two concentration intermittences was from 0.5 to 15.0ngmL−1 and from 15.0 to 200.0ngmL−1, respectively. In addition, the prepared immunosensor could be regenerated 10 times with 5M urea solution. When the immunosensor was stored at 4°C and measured intermittently (every 4–6 days), no apparent change was found over 3 months. The immunosensor system showed an excellent reproducibility and stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• HP-1 treatment inhibited the proliferation of renal cancer-derived cell lines. • HP-1 can inhibit the expression of CIP2A. • The combined HP-1/sunitinib treatment resulted in increased anticancer effects. Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier) has been used for many years as an adjuvant treatment for tumors. Sunitinib is the first-line therapy for end-stage renal cancer, but its side effects and drug resistance limit its clinical application. Cell counting kit- 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch, and Transwell assays showed that Huaier polysaccharide (HP-1) reduced tumor progression. Its combination with sunitinib elicited stronger antitumor effects, including induction of apoptosis and cycle arrest. HP-1-induced effects depended on CIP2A downregulation and suppression of the EMT process. Moreover, qPCR and western blotting experiments showed that CIP2A downregulation was particularly pronounced after treatment with the combination therapy and was associated with EMT suppression. In addition, the HP-1/sunitinib combination inhibited the PI3K/Akt/VEGFR pathway, reducing the expression of pathway-related proteins. The HP-1-induced enhancement of sunitinib effects on tumor growth were also observed in vivo in a xenograft mouse model. Overall, these results indicated that HP-1 exerted antitumor effects against clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]