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This paper proposes an interactive two-archive method to solve many-objective optimization problems. Two updating strategies based on the aggregation-based framework are presented and incorporated into a two-archive framework. In addition, we further extend this method by introducing an interactive mechanism in which evolutionary information is passed from the diversity archive to the convergence archive. Given the requirement to balance convergence and diversity, a mating selection method is proposed to regulate the evolutionary speed of these two archives collaboratively. The proposed algorithm has been tested extensively on several problems with different peer algorithms to validate its effectiveness. The results show that the proposed method can outperform several state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms for handling many-objective optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synoptic circulation patterns over the midlatitudes play a pivotal role in regional precipitation changes; however, the synoptic circulation patterns over eastern Asia (35°–60° N, 105°–145° E) and their effects on extreme precipitation events in the North China Plain (NCP) and northeastern China (NEC) remain unclear. The summer daily 500 hPa geopotential height anomaly fields for 1979–2021 are classified into six synoptic circulation patterns using self-organizing map (SOM) cluster analysis. The SOM1 pattern, characterized by a high-pressure ridge over the north of eastern Asia and a trough near the Korean Peninsula, yields decreased precipitation in NEC. The SOM2 pattern reveals a robust high ridge over eastern Asia, resulting in a higher incidence of regional extreme precipitation events (REPEs) of approximately 24% in the NCP. Under the SOM3 pattern, the anomalous cyclonic circulation over eastern Asia leads to above-average precipitation in the NCP. The SOM4 pattern yields the highest incidence of REPEs in NEC, with the lowest incidence of REPEs in the NCP, as the anomalous cyclonic circulation over eastern Asia moves southeastward compared to the SOM3 pattern. The SOM5 pattern presenting an anticyclone–cyclone dipole reduces precipitation in the NCP and NEC, and the anticyclonic circulation near eastern China associated with the SOM6 pattern causes above-average precipitation in the NCP. On interannual time scales, the SOM2 pattern occurrence with an increasing trend tends to induce an increasing summer precipitation trend in the NCP. The SOM3 pattern occurrence is negatively correlated with the summer precipitation in NEC. Overall, classifying the synoptic circulation patterns helps to improve precipitation forecasting and provides insights into the synoptic circulation patterns dominating the occurrences of REPEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parameterization of deep convection is one of the primary sources of uncertainties in regional climate simulations. Due to computational constraints, long-term kilometer-scale simulations with explicit deep convection have been limited, especially over East Asia. We here conduct a pair of 10-years (2001–2010) reference simulations, one convection-parameterizing simulation at 12 km (0.11 ∘ ) resolution covering the CORDEX East Asia domain, and one 4.4-km (0.04 ∘ ) convection-permitting simulation over a subdomain. The two simulations are driven by the ERA5 reanalysis and the coarser-resolution simulation, respectively. The 4.4-km convection-permitting simulation noticeably improves the representation of the top-of-atmosphere outgoing longwave and shortwave radiation as well as precipitation intensity. In addition, sensitivity simulations are performed with perturbed sulfate and black carbon aerosols, considering the direct and semi-direct aerosol radiative effects. For the simulations with sulfate aerosol perturbations, the cloud radiative effect partly offsets the aerosol radiative effects. Decreasing sulfate aerosols leads to low-level warming, destabilizing the atmospheric stratification and thereby increasing mean precipitation and the frequency of wet days. Increasing sulfate aerosols leads to an approximately opposite response. For the simulations with black carbon aerosol perturbations, there is some near-surface warming for both increases and decreases in aerosol concentration. Also, there are significant changes in cloud cover, but changes in precipitation are comparatively weak. While for sulfate aerosol perturbations the response is approximately linear (in the sense that positive and negative perturbations yield approximately opposite effects), the response to black carbon aerosol perturbations is more complex and shows some nonlinearity, regardless of the treatment of deep convection in the simulations. We present a simple interpretation for this surprising result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and analyze a TB transmission model with nonlinear incidence rate, immunization and medical treatment. First, the existences and stabilities of the equilibrium are studied. The results indicate the basic reproduction number ℜ 0 is the threshold of disease extinction and persistence. The disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when ℜ 0 < 1 , and the disease will gradually disappear. The unique positive equilibrium is local stability and the disease is uniformly persistent when ℜ 0 > 1. Second, optimal control is added to the original model because of limited resources. Finally, the stability of the equilibrium and the theoretical results of optimal control are verified by numerical simulations, and the sensitivity of the parameters is analyzed by the PRCC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) is a powerful technique originally developed for particle filtering and Bayesian inference. As a generic optimizer for statistical and nonstatistical objectives, its role is far less known. Density‐tempered SMC is a highly efficient sampling technique ideally suited for challenging global optimization problems and is implementable with a somewhat arbitrary initialization sampler instead of relying on a prior distribution. SMC optimization is anchored at the fact that all optimization tasks (continuous, discontinuous, combinatorial, or noisy objective function) can be turned into sampling under a density or probability function short of a norming constant. The point with the highest functional value is the SMC estimate for the maximum. Through examples, we systematically present various density‐tempered SMC algorithms and their superior performance vs. other techniques like Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Data cloning and k‐fold duplication are two easily implementable accuracy accelerators, and their complementarity is discussed. The Extreme Value Theorem on the maximum order statistic can also help assess the quality of the SMC optimum. Our coverage includes the algorithmic essence of the density‐tempered SMC with various enhancements and solutions for (1) a bi‐modal nonstatistical function without and with constraints, (2) a multidimensional step function, (3) offline and online optimizations, (4) combinatorial variable selection, and (5) noninvertibility of the Hessian. This article is categorized under:Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Monte Carlo MethodsAlgorithms and Computational Methods > Stochastic OptimizationAlgorithms and Computational Methods > Integer Programming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific‐Japan (PJ) pattern is the dominant teleconnection over East Asia, closely related to the summer precipitation on various time scales. However, studies on the connection between the interdecadal variations of the PJ pattern and sea surface temperature (SST) forcing are still limited. This study indicates that the relationship between the PJ pattern and ENSO presents a pronounced interdecadal change around 1997/1998. The PJ pattern shows a baroclinic structure over the northwest Pacific and a barotropic structure near Japan during 1979–1997, while its baroclinic structure in the tropics weakens remarkably during 1998–2021, with a southward shift of its midlatitude barotropic structure. As a result, the connection between the PJ pattern and summer precipitation over East Asia exhibits an interdecadal transition in the late 1990s. In the slow La Niña decaying summer of 1979–1997, the cold SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) excite an eastward‐propagating Kelvin wave that enhances convection over the northwest Pacific, resulting in the formation of the PJ pattern. In contrast, the cold SST anomalies in the Maritime Continent rather than the TIO yield a zonally confined Kelvin wave in the rapid La Niña decaying summer of 1998–2021. The elongated Kelvin wave penetrating the central Pacific weakens convective anomalies over the northwest Pacific, thereby weakening the baroclinic structure of the PJ pattern in the tropics. Meanwhile, the warm SST anomalies in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) induce a northward shift of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet, with the anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the KE significantly affecting summer precipitation along the Meiyu belt. Therefore, the midlatitude barotropic structure of the PJ pattern shifts southward after the late 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2000, CO 2 emissions from emerging economies have outstripped those of developed economies. To limit global warming to under 1.5 ∘ C by 2100, over 100 emerging economies have proposed net-zero carbon targets. Yet the supportive data are lacking – no inventory of CO 2 emission outlines detailed sources by sector or distribution at the subnational level for these economies. Here, we redress the balance by establishing a dataset for an energy-related CO 2 emission inventory that covers 47 sectors and eight energy types in 40 emerging economies (10.5281/zenodo.7309360, Cui et al., 2021). Their emissions, growing rapidly by 3.0 % yr -1 , reached 7.5 Gt in 2019 and were sourced primarily in coal and oil (34.6 % and 28.1 %, respectively) and consumed by the power and transportation sectors. Meanwhile, among African countries in this group, biomass combustion was responsible for 34.7 %–96.2 % of emissions. Our dataset fills a data gap by providing a detailed, robust emission accounting baseline for emerging economies – an advance that will support emission reduction policymaking at global, national, and subnational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific‐Japan (PJ) pattern is the dominant teleconnection over East Asia, closely related to the summer precipitation on various time scales. However, studies on the connection between the interdecadal variations of the PJ pattern and sea surface temperature (SST) forcing are still limited. This study indicates that the relationship between the PJ pattern and ENSO presents a pronounced interdecadal change around 1997/1998. The PJ pattern shows a baroclinic structure over the northwest Pacific and a barotropic structure near Japan during 1979–1997, while its baroclinic structure in the tropics weakens remarkably during 1998–2021, with a southward shift of its midlatitude barotropic structure. As a result, the connection between the PJ pattern and summer precipitation over East Asia exhibits an interdecadal transition in the late 1990s. In the slow La Niña decaying summer of 1979–1997, the cold SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) excite an eastward‐propagating Kelvin wave that enhances convection over the northwest Pacific, resulting in the formation of the PJ pattern. In contrast, the cold SST anomalies in the Maritime Continent rather than the TIO yield a zonally confined Kelvin wave in the rapid La Niña decaying summer of 1998–2021. The elongated Kelvin wave penetrating the central Pacific weakens convective anomalies over the northwest Pacific, thereby weakening the baroclinic structure of the PJ pattern in the tropics. Meanwhile, the warm SST anomalies in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) induce a northward shift of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet, with the anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the KE significantly affecting summer precipitation along the Meiyu belt. Therefore, the midlatitude barotropic structure of the PJ pattern shifts southward after the late 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate immunity caused by poor immune surveillance leads to tumorigenesis, while excessive immunity due to breakdown of immune tolerance causes autoimmune genesis. Although the function of immunity during the onset of these two processes appears to be distinct, the underlying mechanism is shared. To date, gene expression data for large bodies of clinical samples are available, but the resemblances of tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis in terms of immune responses remains to be summed up. Methods: Considering the high disease prevalence, we chose invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to study the potential commonalities of immune responses. We obtained gene expression data of IDC/SLE patients and normal controls from five IDC databases (GSE29044, GSE21422, GSE22840, GSE15852, and GSE9309) and five SLE databases (GSE154851, GSE99967, GSE61635, GSE50635, and GSE17755). We intended to identify genes differentially expressed in both IDC and SLE by using three bioinformatics tools including GEO2R, the limma R package, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to perform function enrichment, protein-protein network, and signaling pathway analyses. Results: The mRNA levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL), and PML nuclear body scaffold (PML) were found to be differentially expressed in both IDC and SLE by using three different bioinformatics tools of GEO2R, the limma R package and WGCNA. From the combined databases in this study, the mRNA levels of STAT1 and OAS1 were increased in IDC while reduced in SLE. And the mRNA levels of OASL and PML were elevated in both IDC and SLE. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, both IDC and SLE were correlated with the changes of multiple components involved in the Interferon (IFN)-Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Conclusion: The expression levels of STAT1 and OAS1 manifest the opposite expression tendency across cancer and autoimmune disease. They are components in the IFN-JAK-STAT signaling pathway related to both tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis. STAT1 and OAS1-associated IFN-JAK-STAT signaling could explain the commonalities during tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis and render significant information for more precise treatment from the point of immune homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) faces endoscopy capacity challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to lower the screening starting age. This may necessitate modifying the interscreening interval or threshold.Methods: We analysed data from the English Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) pilot, comprising 27,238 individuals aged 59-75, screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) using FIT. We estimated screening sensitivity to CRC, adenomas, advanced adenomas (AA) and mean sojourn time of each pathology by faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) thresholds, then predicted the detection of these abnormalities by interscreening interval and f-Hb threshold.Results: Current 2-yearly screening with a f-Hb threshold of 120 μg/g was estimated to generate 16,092 colonoscopies, prevent 186 CRCs, detect 1142 CRCs, 7086 adenomas and 4259 AAs per 100,000 screened over 15 years. A higher threshold at 180 μg/g would reduce required colonoscopies to 11,500, prevent 131 CRCs, detect 1077 CRCs, 4961 adenomas and 3184 AAs. A longer interscreening interval of 3 years would reduce required colonoscopies to 10,283, prevent 126 and detect 909 CRCs, 4796 adenomas and 2986 AAs.Conclusion: Increasing the f-Hb threshold was estimated to be more efficient than increasing the interscreening interval regarding overall colonoscopies per screen-benefited cancer. Increasing the interval was more efficient regarding colonoscopies per cancer prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study disease transmission with vaccination based on the network, we map an SIR model to a site-bond percolation model. In the case where the vaccination probability is zero, this model degenerates into a bond percolation model without the immunization. Using the method of generation functions, we obtain exact theoretical results for the epidemic threshold and the average outbreak size. From these exact solutions, we find that the epidemic threshold increases while the average outbreak size decreases with vaccination probability. Numerical simulations show that the size of giant component S increases with transmissibility T but decreases with the probability of vaccination. In addition, we compare the epidemic threshold and the size of the giant component for a Poisson network, an exponential network and a power-law network using numerical simulations. When the probability of vaccination is fixed, the epidemic threshold is the smallest for heterogeneous networks and the size of giant component S in homogeneous networks becomes largest for large transmissibility T(T close to 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Aerosol sensitivity simulations over East Asia in a convection-permitting climate model" published in Climate Dynamics. The correction addresses an error in Figure 8 of the original article and provides the correct version of the figure. The corrected article has been published and the publisher, Springer Nature, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. The authors of the article are Shuping Li, Silje Lund Sørland, Martin Wild, and Christoph Schär. [Extracted from the article]

The anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) (A/O-SBR) system has been a major focus of recent research because of its high nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removal efficiencies in wastewater treatment plants. The feasibility of using the A/O-SBR system in plateau regions (altitude 3,000 m) remains unclear. In this study, two A/O-SBR systems were established, and the effect of atmospheric pressure on nutrient removal performance was studied. High N and P removal efficiencies of 90.19%±3.96% and 98.83%±1.90% , respectively, were achieved in the A/O-SBR system under low atmospheric pressure (72 kPa, called R2). The A/O-SBR system under low atmospheric pressure had higher P-uptake activity (24 mg/L), indicating that P removal was higher in R2 than in the A/O-SBR system under normal atmospheric pressure (97 kPa, called R1). The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that the abundance of denitrifying glycogen accumulating organisms was higher in R2 than in R1, which was opposite to the pattern of P-accumulating organisms (PAOs), denitrifying PAOs, and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Batch tests were consistent with the microbial community analysis. Therefore, efficient N and P removal performance was achieved under low atmospheric pressure, and the functional microbial abundance and microbial activities related to N and P removal were significantly affected. The results of this study have implications for removing pollutants during wastewater treatment in plateau regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to maintain food security for the world's growing population, crop yields need to be significantly improved. Domestication and crop improvement involve modification of traits such as fruit size and seed number to optimize productivity. Although these traits are selected at the mature stage, they are determined during the development of shoot meristem, a tissue that forms successive meristems and reproductive organs that make edible fruits or seeds. Therefore, the architecture of reproductive organs and yield-related traits are determined during the maturation of shoot meristem. Here, we highlight recent progress in understanding how shoot meristem size affects yield-related traits and outline the strategies to fine-tune meristem regulatory genes to meet the demands of a growing population and promote sustainable agriculture. Editing cis -regulatory elements (CREs) using the CRISPR-Cas technique provides the opportunity to generate a series of alleles with various expression levels, resulting in a range of quantitative effects for phenotypic selection. Advances in genomics have led to a better understanding of CREs. Multiple studies have demonstrated that meristem regulatory genes tightly associate with yield traits of crops. New techniques have accelerated our understanding of meristem development and function and enabled the generation of defined mutations in genetic backgrounds of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐energy density and ultra‐long cycling lifespan are of great significance in pursuit of practical lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, in which the construction of ultrathick, high‐areal‐capacity, and stable‐cycling sulfur cathodes remains challenging. Here, a unique layered reinforced concrete structure (LRCS) is reported by integrating an ice‐template method with incorporating carbon fibers in the thick electrodes for Li‐S batteries. The LRCS enables aligned through‐channel structure and intertwined conductive network, which lead to both fast kinetics of ions/electrons transport and strengthened electrode integrity to tolerate the volume change during cycling and the dimensional deformation under a high compaction density. Benefiting from the unique structure, the ultra‐thick Se0.05S0.95 @ pPAN cathode (20.2 mg cm−2) delivers a high capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 and excellent capacity retention of 80.8% over 140 cycles at a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio of 2 and a negative‐to‐positive capacity ratio of 2.7, corresponding to a calculated energy density of 390 Wh kg−1. This investigation not only provides guidance for the design of thick sulfur electrodes but also paves the way for the development of practical Li‐S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐energy density and ultra‐long cycling lifespan are of great significance in pursuit of practical lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, in which the construction of ultrathick, high‐areal‐capacity, and stable‐cycling sulfur cathodes remains challenging. Here, a unique layered reinforced concrete structure (LRCS) is reported by integrating an ice‐template method with incorporating carbon fibers in the thick electrodes for Li‐S batteries. The LRCS enables aligned through‐channel structure and intertwined conductive network, which lead to both fast kinetics of ions/electrons transport and strengthened electrode integrity to tolerate the volume change during cycling and the dimensional deformation under a high compaction density. Benefiting from the unique structure, the ultra‐thick Se0.05S0.95 @ pPAN cathode (20.2 mg cm−2) delivers a high capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 and excellent capacity retention of 80.8% over 140 cycles at a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio of 2 and a negative‐to‐positive capacity ratio of 2.7, corresponding to a calculated energy density of 390 Wh kg−1. This investigation not only provides guidance for the design of thick sulfur electrodes but also paves the way for the development of practical Li‐S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a nonlinear leaky wave antenna (LWA) with frequency dependent parametric radiation based on a fundamentally slow‐wave transmission line (TL) structure. Unlike a conventional LWA that radiates at the excitation frequency, the radiation for the proposed travelling wave structure relies on the parametric frequencies based on the injected pump signals. The proposed nonlinear fundamentally slow wave structure utilizes a periodic sharply bend TL loaded by varactor diodes as nonlinear elements. By utilizing the n = −1 spatial harmonic, the fundamentally slow wave structure can enter the leaky wave region at higher frequencies, where the parametric radiation results from the bifurcation of the injected pump signals. Such TL‐based nonlinear LWA reduces the design complexity and fabrication difficulty. The resulting parametric frequency radiation can be used for beam steering, which provides additional degree of design freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) in England has replaced guaiac faecal occult blood testing by faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). There is interest in fully exploiting FIT measures to improve bowel cancer (CRC) screening strategies. In this paper, we estimate the relationship of the quantitative haemoglobin concentration provided by FIT in faecal samples with underlying pathology. From this we estimate thresholds required for given levels of sensitivity to CRC and high-risk adenomas (HRA). Methods: Data were collected from a pilot study of FIT in England in 2014, in which 27,238 participants completed a FIT. Those with a faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) of at least 20 µg/g were referred for further investigation, usually colonoscopy. Truncated regression models were used to explore the relationship between bowel pathology and FIT results. Regression results were applied to estimate sensitivity to different abnormalities for a number of thresholds. Results: Participants with CRC and HRA had significantly higher f-Hb, and this remained unchanged after adjusting for age and sex. While a threshold of 20 μg/g was estimated to capture 82.2% of CRC and 64.0% of HRA, this would refer 7.8% of participants for colonoscopy. The current programme threshold used in England of 120 μg/g was estimated to identify 47.8% of CRC and 25.0% of HRA. Conclusions: Under the current diagnostic policy of dichotomising FIT results, a very low threshold would be required to achieve high sensitivity to CRC and HRA, which would place further strain on colonoscopy resources. The NHS BCSP in England might benefit from a diagnostic policy that makes greater use of the quantitative nature of FIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, considered heterogeneous infectivity and susceptibility, a general stochastic Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) epidemic model with the cumulative distribution functions (CDFS) of the infectious contact rate and the infectious period based on bipartite networks is discussed. It is isomorphic to a semidirected random network called the bipartite epidemic percolation network. The epidemic threshold corresponds to the phase transition where a giant strongly connected component appears. It is obtained by using the method of the probability generation function. We show that the critical value of the transmissibility predicted by the bond percolation model is larger than that predicted by the epidemic percolation network. We analyze the influences of the network structure and individual heterogeneity on the epidemic threshold by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are an obstacle in cancer therapy and are a major cause of drug resistance, cancer recurrence, and metastasis. Available treatments, targeting proliferating cancer cells, are not effective in eliminating quiescent CSCs. Identification of CSC regulators will help design therapeutic strategies to sensitize drug-resistant CSCs for chemo-eradication. Here, we show that angiogenin and plexin-B2 regulate the stemness of prostate CSCs, and that inhibitors of angiogenin/plexin-B2 sensitize prostate CSCs to chemotherapy. Prostate CSCs capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumor initiation with a single cell inoculation were identified and shown to be regulated by angiogenin/plexin-B2 that promotes quiescence and self-renewal through 5S ribosomal RNA processing and generation of the bioactive 3′-end fragments of 5S ribosomal RNA, which suppress protein translation and restrict cell cycling. Monoclonal antibodies of angiogenin and plexin-B2 decrease the stemness of prostate CSCs and sensitize them to chemotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo. Shuping Li et al. show that angiogenin and its receptor plexin-B2 regulate the stemness of prostate cancer stem cells. Monoclonal antibodies of angiogenin and plexin-B2 sensitize prostate cancer stem cells to chemotherapy, highlighting the targeting potential of this regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a theoretical study of the valence-band offsets of the pseudomorphic Si...Ge...C.../Si(001) heterojunctions. Calculations based on the ab initio pseudopotential method, the virtual-crystal approximation and the average-bond-energy theory; Results and discussions.

• Streamflow is correlated more strongly with snowfall than with rainfall. • Warming has caused peak flow to occur earlier. • The effects of snowmelt on streamflow is subject to rainfall regulation on soil moisture condition. • Spring rainfall and snowmelt play a dominant role in spring and summer flow generation. • The mechanisms for flow generation in autumn and winter are complex and vary across space. Mountain watersheds serve as important water sources for socioeconomic activities in semiarid and arid regions. This study examined the streamflow response to snow regime shifts associated with climate variability in the US Great Basin. To this end, the coupled hydro-ecological simulation system (CHESS), a process-based and distributed model, was applied to four mountain watersheds in the US Great Basin. Historical weather records for the period of 1961–1990 were used to spin-up model simulations so that the soil water and vegetation reached the equilibrium state under long-term climate conditions; the period of 1991–2015 was selected as the study period. The model evaluation suggested that CHESS was able to simulate major hydrological processes in the four mountain watersheds. In addition, it was found that annual streamflow was more strongly correlated with snowfall than with rainfall during 1991–2015 and increased by 0.62–0.76 mm as snowfall increased by 1 mm in the study regions. Recent regional warming advanced the timing of the peak flow and shifts in the snow regime also affected the intra-annual pattern of the soil moisture content. Seasonally, spring rainfall and snowmelt were dominant factors in generating spring streamflow and summer baseflow. The mechanisms for flow generation were more complex and more variable in the four watersheds in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. On an annual basis, shifts in snowmelt resulting from climate variability accounted for more than 60% of the variability in the annual streamflow, surpassing the contribution of rainfall in the four watersheds. Overall, our results suggest that shifts in the snow regime due to climate variability have important implications for the intra-annual distribution and availability of water resources in semiarid and arid regions of the US Great Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose and study an SIS epidemic model with clustering characteristics based on networks. Using the method of the existence of positive equilibrium point, we obtain the formula of the basic reproduction number R0. Furthermore, by constructing Lyapunov function, we also prove that the disease-free equilibrium of the model is globally asymptotically stable when R0<1. When R0>1, there is only one positive equilibrium point which is globally asymptotically stable. It is also shown that the infection proportion and the basic reproduction number R0 increases as the clustering coefficient increases when the average degree of networks is fixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Efficient redox conversions between polysulfides and sulfur or lithium sulfide have a significant impact on the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries especially with high sulfur loading. Herein, a readily available cobalt-embedded carbon nanofiber (Co-CNF) is designed as the current collector for sulfur cathodes. It is shown that the Co-CNF promotes electron and Li-ion transfer, thus leading to fast redox conversion, which mitigates the dissolution and shuttling of polysulfides. Furthermore, the embedded cobalt metal facilitates the uniform nucleation of lithium sulfide on the surface of the carbon nanofiber, which reduces the polarization and leads to high specific capacity. The Co-CNF with 4.6 mg cm−2 sulfur loading delivers 970 mA h g−1 (4.5 mA h cm−2) at 0.1 C and 670 mA h g−1 at 1 C. Even when sulfur loading reaches as high as 9.6 mg cm−2, the reversible capacity of 730 mA h g−1 (7 mA h cm−2) is obtained. The Co-CNF/Li 2 S 6 cathode shows a degradation rate at 0.06% per cycle over 300 cycles. This work demonstrates the effect of cobalt metal catalysis and a simple but useful sulfur cathode design for high performance Li-S batteries. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • IL-2 promotes sorafenib-mediated apoptosis in Huh7 cells. • IL-2 in combination with sorafenib interrupts mitochondrial metabolism. • Mitochondrial fragmentation is augmented by IL-2 in the presence of sorafenib. Abstract Sorafenib is a standard targeted drug used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notably, cytokine has been found to further enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of the targeted drug. Thereby, the aim of this study is to verify whether cytokine IL-2 could increase the anti-cancer effects of sorafenib on liver cancer in vitro. Huh7 cells were used in the present study and the cell apoptosis and migration were determined in response to sorafenib treatment. Then, siRNA and pathway blocker were used to determine the molecular mechanisms by which IL-2 enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of Huh7 liver cancer cell in vitro. The data in our study illustrated that sorafenib treatment induced apoptosis in Huh7 liver cancer cell in vitro, an effect that was accompanied with a drop in cell proliferation and migration. Biological investigation demonstrated that IL-2 supplementation further augmented the pro-apoptotic effects of sorafenib in vitro. At the molecular levels, the combination of IL-2 and sorafenib impaired mitochondrial respiratory function, reduced mitochondrial potential, promoted mitochondrial ROS overloading and activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Meanwhile, we found that IL-2 supplementation induced mitochondrial stress via activating mitochondrial fragmentation in a manner dependent on MAPK-JNK signalling pathway and TAZ protein. Blockade of the JNK signalling pathway and/or knockdown of TAZ could abrogate the inhibitor effects of IL-2/sorafenib on liver cancer survival, growth and mobility. Collectively, these data indicated that IL-2 supplementation could further augment the anti-cancer effectiveness of sorafenib via activating mitochondrial fragmentation in a manner dependent on MAPK-JNK signalling pathway and TAZ protein. This finding identifies mitochondrial stress and the JNK-Hippo pathway as the potential targets to treat liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilose antler polypeptide (PAP) is an active substance isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine pilose antler, which possesses multiple biological activities. In the present study, the role and mechanism of PAP in sevoflurane (SEV)-induced neurocyte injury was explored. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting kit-8 assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression levels, respectively. The results revealed that PAP enhanced the cell viability of SEV-treated nerve cells. In addition, through modulation of apoptosis-associated protein expression, PAP suppressed SEV-induced nerve cell apoptosis. Furthermore, PAP activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in the neurocyte injury model, whereas inhibition of the p38/JNK pathway reversed the beneficial effects produced by PAP. In conclusion, PAP protected against SEV-mediated neurocyte injury via upregulation of the p38/JNK pathway. The present findings suggested that PAP may be an effective agent for neurocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient required by avian species. Dietary Se/vitamin E deficiency induces three classical diseases in chicks: exudative diathesis, nutritional pancreatic atrophy, and nutritional muscular dystrophy. Scope of review This review is to summarize and analyze the evolution, regulation, and function of avian selenogenome and selenoproteome and their relationship with the three classical Se/vitamin E deficiency diseases. Major conclusions There are 24 selenoproteins confirmed in chicks, with two avian-specific members (SELENOU and SELENOP2) and two missing mammalian members (GPX6 and SELENOV). There are two forms of SELENOP containing 1 or 13 selenocysteine residues. In addition, a Gallus gallus gene was conjectured to be the counterpart of the human SEPHS2. Expression of selenoprotein genes in the liver, pancreas, and muscle of chicks seemed to be highly responsive to dietary Se changes. Pathogeneses of the Se/vitamin E deficient diseases in the chicks were likely produced by missing functions of selected selenoproteins in regulating cellular and tissue redox balance and inhibiting oxidative/reductive stress-induced cell death. General significance Gene knockout models, similar to those of rodents, will help characterize the precise functions of avian selenoproteins and their comparisons with those of mammalian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the expression of microRNA (miR)-21 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, its biological functions and mechanism of autophagy regulation. A total of 46 patients with NSCLC were enrolled in the present study. To measure the expression of miR-21, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed. NSCLC A549 cells were transfected with miR-negative control (NC), miR-21 mimics or inhibitor. The CCK-8 assay was used to investigate the proliferation of A549 cells. To study migration and invasion abilities of A549 cells, The Transwell assay was performed. In addition, to determine the expression levels of ULK1, LC3B, AMPKa, p-AMPKa and p62 proteins, western blotting was conducted and laser confocal microscopy was performed to observe the formation of autophagosomes in A549 cells. To explore whether miR-21 regulates the biological functions of A549 cells via autophagy, an autophagy inhibitor, 3-MA, or agonist, rapamycin, were used in a rescue assay. Results indicated that miR-21 expression in NSCLC tissues was enhanced, and closely correlated with the occurrence and development of NSCLC. In vitro experiments showed that miR-21 mimics promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells, while miR-21 inhibitor inhibited these biological functions. Western blotting indicated that miR-21 upregulated autophagy marker LC3BII protein, but downregulated p62 protein. Laser confocal microscopy showed that miR-21 activated autophagy of A549. Rescue experiments indicated that autophagy reversed the effect of miR-21 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells. Western blotting data suggested that autophagy-related AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway was activated by miR-21, and interference or overexpression of ULK1 reversed the biological functions of miR-21. The present study demonstrated that miR-21 expression in NSCLC tissues was upregulated and positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis and clinical staging. In addition, miR-21 regulated autophagy activity of NSCLC A549 cells via AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway, and promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The plants of the genus Peganum have a long history as a Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, jaundice, colic, lumbago, and many other human ailments. Additionally, the plants can be used as an amulet against evil-eye, dye and so on, which have become increasingly popular in Asia, Iran, Northwest India, and North Africa. Aim of the review The present paper reviewed the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, analytical methods, biological activities, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and drug interaction of the genus Peganum in order to assess the ethnopharmacological use and to explore therapeutic potentials and future opportunities for research. Materials and methods Information on studies of the genus Peganum was gathered via the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pudmed, Web of Science, CNKI and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from some local books, PhD and MS’s dissertations. Results The genus Peganum has played an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of the genus include alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, etc. Scientific studies on extracts and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities, antitumor, anti-hypertension, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasidal, anti-leishmaniasis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Conclusions Based on this review, there is some evidence for extracts' pharmacological effects on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension. Some indications from ethnomedicine have been confirmed by pharmacological effects, such as the cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase and DNA topoisomerase inhibitory activities, hypoglycemic and vasodilation effects of this genus. The available literature showed that most of the activities of the genus Peganum can be attributed to the active alkaloids. Data regarding many aspects of the genus such as mechanisms of actions, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited which call for additional studies particularly in humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three summer drought patterns of the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin (MLRYRB) and their associated atmospheric circulation were investigated before and after 1980. For the whole-basin wide drought pattern during 1961–1979, the anomalous high ridge over Japan blocked the northerly flow from Siberia to southern China. Further, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) was weaker than normal and shifted eastward. For the southern drought and northern flood pattern during 1961–1979, the zonal circulation was straight and an anomalous anticyclonic circulation was located over Japan. Less moisture was transported to southern China associated with the weakened WPSH. During 1980–2013, the WPSH extended westward and controlled the southern part of the MLRYRB, and an anomalous cyclonic circulation was centered over Japan. For the southern flood and northern drought pattern during 1961–1979, the meridional circulation was obvious, and the WPSH was weaker than normal. The anomalous southwesterly moisture transport appeared to southern China. However, during 1980–2013 the continental high pressure impacted northern China. The WPSH shifted eastward and the anomalous northeasterly moisture transport presented over eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryonic stem cell (ES cell)-based rat knockout technology, although successfully developed in 2010, has seen very limited usage to date due to low targeting efficiency and a lack of optimized procedures. In this study, we performed gene targeting in ES cells from the Sprague-Dawley (SD) and the Fischer 344 (F344) rat strains using an optimized procedure and the self-excising neomycin (neo)-positive selection cassette ACN to successfully generate Leptin and Trp53 knockout rats that did not carry the selection gene. These results demonstrate that our simplified targeting strategy using ACN provides an efficient approach to knock out many other rat genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet AlGaN multiple-quantum-well laser diodes (LDs) with step-graded quantum barriers (QBs) instead of conventional first and last QBs close to waveguide layers are proposed. The characteristics of this type of laser diodes are numerically investigated by using the software PICS3D and it is found that the performances of these LDs are greatly improved. The results indicates that the structure with step-graded QBs exhibits higher output light power, slope efficiency and emission intensity, as well as lower series resistance and threshold current density under the identical condition, compared with conventional LD structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ContextThe β-carboline alkaloid harmane is widely distributed in common foods, beverages and hallucinogenic plants. Harmane exerts potential in therapies for Alzheimer’s and depression diseases. However, little information on its dynamic metabolic profiles and pharmacokineticsin vivois currently available. ObjectiveThis study investigates the dynamic metabolic profiles and pharmacokinetic properties of harmane and its metabolites in ratsin vivo. Materials and methodsA highly selective, sensitive and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and well-validated for simultaneous quantitative determination of harmane and its uncertain endogenous metabolite harmine, as well as for semiquantitative determination of 10 harmane metabolites in rats after intravenous injection and oral administration of harmane at 1.0 and 30.0 mg/kg, respectively. ResultsThe calibration curves of harmane and harmine showed excellent linearity within the concentration range of 1–2000 ng/mL with acceptable accuracy, precision, selectivity, recovery, matrix effect and stability. Ten metabolites, including harmane but not harmine, were detected and identified after intravenous and oral administration of harmane. The absolute bioavailability of harmane following an oral dose was 19.41 ± 3.97%. According to theAUC0–tvalues of all the metabolites, the metabolic levels of phase II metabolites were higher than those of phase I metabolites, and the sulphation pathways were the dominant metabolic routes for harmane in both routes of administration. Discussion and conclusionThe pharmacokinetic properties of harmane and its 10 metabolites in rats were determined. Sulphate conjugation was the predominant metabolic process of harmane in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, many publications have concerned on the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and its application in heterogeneous catalytic process. The HAP supported catalysts performed favorable properties in catalytic decontamination. This review presented a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis, characterization and the application of HAP and HAP derived catalysts in decontamination. HAP could be prepared through thermal treatment of animal bone, solid-state reaction, wet precipitation, sol-gel, hydro/solvothermal, emulsion methods, while the impregnation, ion exchange, hydrothermal methods were conducted on synthesis of HAP derived catalysts. The properties of the HAP and its derived catalysts were characterized through XRD, SEM, TEM and CO 2 /NH 3 -TPD ananlysis. Especially, the properties corresponding to the synthesized methods are described. The activity of the HAP derived catalysts in eliminating pollutants such as organics, nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides were reviewed. Effect of the active metal and HAP property on the catalytic activity on decontamination was discussed. Thus, a bridge among the synthesis and characterization of HAP derived catalysts with their applications in environmental decontamination is constructed, which presents a prospective view in the development of HAP derived catalysts and their applications in future. [Display omitted] • Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite were reviewed. • Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite derived catalysts were discussed. • The gap between the current knowledge and prospective development was presented. • Catalytic oxidation and reduction in pollutant elimination was reviewed. • The prospective in controlling the catalytic activity was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, many publications have concerned on the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and its application in heterogeneous catalytic process. The HAP supported catalysts performed favorable properties in catalytic decontamination. This review presented a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis, characterization and the application of HAP and HAP derived catalysts in decontamination. HAP could be prepared through thermal treatment of animal bone, solid-state reaction, wet precipitation, sol-gel, hydro/solvothermal, emulsion methods, while the impregnation, ion exchange, hydrothermal methods were conducted on synthesis of HAP derived catalysts. The properties of the HAP and its derived catalysts were characterized through XRD, SEM, TEM and CO 2 /NH 3 -TPD ananlysis. Especially, the properties corresponding to the synthesized methods are described. The activity of the HAP derived catalysts in eliminating pollutants such as organics, nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides were reviewed. Effect of the active metal and HAP property on the catalytic activity on decontamination was discussed. Thus, a bridge among the synthesis and characterization of HAP derived catalysts with their applications in environmental decontamination is constructed, which presents a prospective view in the development of HAP derived catalysts and their applications in future. [Display omitted] • Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite were reviewed. • Preparation and characterization of hydroxyapatite derived catalysts were discussed. • The gap between the current knowledge and prospective development was presented. • Catalytic oxidation and reduction in pollutant elimination was reviewed. • The prospective in controlling the catalytic activity was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the cross-correlations between the crude oil market and three implied volatility indices for the crude oil market, the stock markets in emerging and developed economies. We employed a newly developed method—the multiscale multivariate multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MMV-MFDFA) within the framework of the fractal market hypothesis (FMH). The research target here is to detect the fractal autocorrelation characteristics for the time series covered in this study. The empirical results demonstrate that cross-correlated behaviors have multifractal features. The cross-correlated behaviors of smaller fluctuations are persistent while large fluctuations are anti-persistent between crude oil and OVX. The cross-correlated behaviors between crude oil and implied indices of the developed and emerging markets are anti-persistent both small and large fluctuations. Crude oil price fluctuations and the implied volatility indices change in a positive direction in the short term, but in the reverse direction in the long term. In addition, the multifractal strength between crude oil and implied volatility index for crude oil market is larger than that between crude oil and emerging and developed stock markets. Political, economic, and military shocks, with relatively large influence have a major impact on the internal volatility of the system. The findings of nonlinear and multifractal correlations between crude oil and implied volatility indices suggest that, due to existing of market inefficiency and multifractality,​ investors can, to some extent, predict the future trends of crude oil price movements based on changes in the volatility indices, thereby adjusting their investment strategies to avoid risks. • Cross-correlations between crude oil and three implied volatility indices are investigated. • There exists strong multifractal characteristics in the crude oil and implied volatility. • Multifractal strength between crude oil and OVX is larger than that between crude oil and VIX and VXEEM. • The interactive correlation in crude oil and implied volatility index display more complex dynamic characteristics on a small scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The components and hospitable properties of tumor microenvironment (TME) are associated with tumor progression. Recently, TME modulating vectors and strategies have garnished significant attention in cancer therapy. Although a pilot work has reviewed TME regulation via nanoparticle-based delivery systems, there is no systematical review that summarizes the natural bacteria-based anti-tumor system to modulate TME. In this review, we conclude the strategies of bacterial carriers (including whole bacteria, bacterial skeleton and bacterial components) to regulate TME from the perspective of TME components and hospitable properties, and the clinical trials of bacteria-mediated cancer therapy. Current challenges and future prospects for the design of bacteria-based carriers are also proposed that provide critical insights into this natural delivery system and related translation from the bench to the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive UPLC–ESI-MS/MS method was developed for determining and screening of inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO) by using mix MAO enzymes prepared from human liver. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 2-phenethylamine (2-PEA) were used as substrates for MAO-A and MAO-B in incubations, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) resulting from 5-HT and 2-PEA were used as markers to evaluate inhibitive activities of test compounds on MAO-A and MAO-B. Proper separation was achieved for positive multiple reaction monitoring of 5-HIAA ( m / z 192.1 → 146.1) and negative multiple reaction monitoring PAA ( m / z 135.0 → 91.0) via isocratic elution (0.1% fromic acid:acetonitrile = 60:40) on a HSS T3 column following a simple precipitation of proteins for sample treatment. The relative standard deviations of intra- and inter-day precisions were ranged from 1.74% to 6.76% and 0.77% to 9.35%. The mean accuracies for the quality control samples were 101.37 ± 6.60% and 101.39 ± 2.85%, respectively. This method exhibited characteristics of small total reaction volume (100 μl), short analysis time (3.5 min), highly sensitivity, low cost and without matrix effect (103.56 ± 2.33% to 112.63 ± 8.57% for 5-HIAA and 105.68 ± 8.75% to 112.76 ± 4.67% for PAA). The developed method was successfully applied for detection of the MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitive activities by model drugs, including pargyline, clorgyline, as well as β-carboline alkaloids from Peganum harmala . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the informatization of basic education quality assessment has become a hot topic in the field of education and is playing an increasingly important role. Based on the theory of deep convolutional neural network, this paper adopts the methods of mathematical analysis and experimental research to construct a regional basic education quality assessment model. The model solves the data informatization problem of education quality assessment. In the simulation process, two key modules of data self-assessment and expert assessment of the deep convolutional neural network are realized by ASENET+SQL SERVER, and the assessment results are integrated by using the weighted average method and the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method. The experimental results show that the quantitative analysis of the quality assessment is carried out by using the logic and support relationship, and the results of comprehensive qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis are realized and segmented when the threshold level is 9, the MIOU obtains the highest value of 0.7501, and the MIOU of the multi-stage method of the quality evaluation model proposed in this paper is 0.8116, which is 6.15% points higher than the traditional multi-stage algorithm, which effectively improves the current stage area quality of basic education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenol anti-inflammatory agent. We have studied the link between the anti-inflammatory effects of Res and the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) signaling pathway. Methods: Murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells (RAW264.7 cells) were either untreated (control) or treated with Res, LPS, or LPS + Res. Levels of IL-6, NO, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA and colorimetric assays. Expression of HMGB1 was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. Protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4 were also examined. Results: Res significantly reduced the levels of IL-6, NO, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells exposed to LPS. Expression levels of HMGB1 (mRNA and protein) and of TLR4 in the LPS + Res-treated cells were lower than in cells treated with LPS alone. Conclusions: Res can block the inflammatory effects induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. Down-regulation of HMGB expression may be one of the mechanisms of action of Res. Res may also influence TLR4 expression in the HMGB1-TLR4 signaling pathway. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Systematically investigate the metabolites of harmane in vivo and in vitro. [•] Metabolites of harmane were identified by UPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS. [•] CLogP combined with specific pH of flow phase was used to distinguish metabolites. [•] Hydroxylation, N-oxidation, O-glucuronide, O-sulphate, and glutathione conjugation. [•] Harmine and harmol were not found as metabolites of harmane in rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thickening electrodes can significantly increase the energy density and reduce the cost of batteries. However, the electrochemical performance of thick electrodes is limited by the kinetics of lithium-ion transport, resulting in severe polarization and poor electrochemical performance. Here, we investigate the electrochemical behavior of low-tortuous thick electrodes constructed by freeze-drying method. It is shown that low tortuosity can accelerate the transport of lithium-ions and mainly reduce the concentration polarization, leading to improved rate capability. Due to the fast lithium-ions transport kinetics, the electrochemical performance of low tortuous thick electrode is not dominantly determined by concentration polarization until a thickness of 125 μm, much higher than a thickness of 46 μm for the high tortuosity electrode. Thick electrodes with low tortuosity possess a stable cathode electrolyte interface, leading to superior cyclability. Area capacities of low tortuous thick electrodes increase linearly with active material loadings, indicating the independence of specific capacity and electrode thickness. Even at an ultrahigh area loading of 99.56 mg cm−2, this low-tortuous thick electrode delivers an area capacity of 14.8 mAh cm−2. This work reveals the electrochemical behavior of low tortuous thick electrode, providing guidance for applicable thick electrodes in high-performance lithium batteries. The low-tortuous thick electrode with straight lithium-ion transport channels is prepared by freezing drying strategy. Low-tortuous electrodes can not only accelerate lithium-ion transport kinetics and reduce the concentration polarization, but also possess a stable cathode electrolyte interface, enabling superior rate capability and cyclability. The rate determining step of the low-tortuous electrode changes to concentration polarization at bigger critical thickness. [Display omitted] • The low tortuous LiFePO 4 thick electrode was prepared by the freeze-drying route. • Low tortuous electrode structure is beneficial for the transport of lithium-ions. • Low tortuous LiFePO 4 electrode shows superior rate capability and cyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hydrothermal treatment is beneficial for crystallization and regularity of LDHs. [•] Combination of grinding and hydrothermal treatment leads to uniform particles. [•] The degree of precursors to LDHs after grinding depends on their melting points. [•] Intercalation of water layer has been proved after hydrothermal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transit planners are often faced with a tradeoff between improving accessibility through the addition of stops while simultaneously increasing efficiency so that destinations can be reached in a reasonable amount of time. In this paper, we propose the development of an optimization framework integrated within a Geographical Information System (GIS) for addressing this specific problem. Our proposed modeling framework departs from well-known facility location coverage models by considering both the impact of walking distance from an individual residential location to a stop and the transit facility attractiveness (ease to cross, number of destinations served). Integration within a GIS environment is accomplished using a simulated annealing heuristic. An example on an inbound urban bus route illustrates the utility of the approach for transit planning, using model parameters developed in collaboration with local transit agencies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Seventy-eight marine fungal strains were isolated from sediment samples collected off the coast of Nanji Island, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Antibacterial screening using the agar disc method showed that 19 of the isolated strains could inhibit at least one pathogenic V ibrio from P seudosciaena crocea. Subsequent screening confirmed that nine strains produced antibacterial metabolites that had activity against one or several types of pathogenic V ibrio. Strain NJ0104 had the widest antimicrobial spectrum and strong activity, particularly against Vibrio parahaemolyticus-MM0810072. A preliminary study of NJ0104 antibacterial metabolites demonstrated that they had thermal stability up to 80°C, ultraviolet stability up to 40 min and pH stability between 4.0-7.0. In addition, the antibacterial metabolites were readily soluble in butanol. To identify the specific strain, the ITS-5.8S rDNA regions of NJ0104 were PCR amplified and sequenced. Based on the combination of phenotypic and genotypic data, the strain was identified as Arthrinium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenin (ANG), also known as ribonuclease (RNASE) 5, is a member of the vertebrate-specific, secreted RNASE superfamily. ANG was originally identified as a tumor angiogenic factor, but its biological activity has been extended from inducing angiogenesis to stimulating cell proliferation and more recently, to promoting cell survival. Under growth conditions, ANG is translocated to nucleus where it accumulates in nucleolus and stimulates ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, thus facilitating cell growth and proliferation. Under stress conditions, ANG is accumulated in cytoplasmic compartments and modulates the production of tiRNA, a novel class of small RNA that is derived from tRNA and is induced by stress. tiRNA suppress global protein translation by inhibiting both cap-dependent and -independent translation including that mediated by weak IRESes. However, strong IRES-mediated translation, a mechanism often used by genes involved in pro-survival and anti-apoptosis, is not affected. Thus, ANG-mediated tiRNA reprogram protein translation, save anabolic energy, and promote cell survival. This recently uncovered function of ANG presents a novel mechanism of action in regulating cell growth and survival. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2822-2826, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss-of-function mutations in angiogenin (ANG) gene were discovered in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and ANG has been shown to prevent neuronal death both in vitro and in vivo. The neuro-protective activity of ANG was brought about partially by inhibiting stress-induced apoptosis. ANG attenuates both the extrinsic and the intrinsic apoptotic signals by activating Nf-κb-mediated cell survival pathway and Bcl-2-mediated anti-apoptotic pathway. Here we report that ANG inhibits nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), an important cell death-executing molecule known to play a dominant role in neurodegenerative diseases. ANG inhibits serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis by attenuating a series of Bcl-2-dependent events including caspase-3 activation, poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage, and AIF nuclear translocation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1639-1644, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multilayer dielectric cylindrical mirror (MDCM) based on the one-dimensional omnidirectional reflection of a photonic crystal is presented. In this case, the refractive indices of the two materials are 1.6 (polystyrene) and 4.6 (tellurium), and the corresponding optimized thicknesses are 0.75a and 0.25a. A very high reflectance over a wide frequency range is observed. In this case, a is the lattice constant of the photonic crystal. In this band, the MDCM has good reflection and focal properties. Therefore, it is feasible to use the MDCM for integrated waveguide devices. As an example, an etched diffraction grating demultiplexer based on the MDCM is also proposed. Both the operational principle and design of the device are introduced. This provides a method for designing compact integrated waveguide devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a butt-joint coupling system, a fiber is coupled to a slab waveguide by a fiber ended micro-lens (FEML), so that the electromagnetic field emerging from the FEML is completely different from the fiber mode. The conventional method for calculations of the coupling efficiency, such as the overlap integral method, is not valid. In this paper, a Monte Carlo model for the coupling system is proposed, based not only on the principles of reflection and refraction at media interface plane, but also on the diffractions of micro lens. This model incorporates the geometrical surface of both the fiber end-face micro-lens and slab waveguide, the relative position of the fiber and slab waveguide, and also takes into consideration both the aberration and diffraction effects. The propagation characteristics and coupling efficiencies of the system are simulated. The losses caused by misalignment of the system are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]