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Recent years, cardiac vascular disease has arisen owing to acute myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure leading to death worldwide. Various treatments are available for MI in modern medicine such as implantation of devices, pharmaceutical therapy, and transplantation of organs, nonetheless, it has many complications in finding an organ donor, devices for stenosis, high intrusiveness and long-time hospitalization. To overcome these problems, we have designed and developed a novel hydrogel material with a combination of Se NPs loaded poly(ethylene glycol)/tannic acid (PEG/TA) hydrogel for the treatment of acute MI repair. Herein, Se NPs were characterized by effective analytical and spectroscopic techniques. In vitro cell compatibility and anti-oxidant analyses were examined on human cardiomyocytes in different concentrations of Se NPs and appropriate Se NPs loaded hydrogel samples to demonstrate its greater suitability for in vivo cardiac applications. In vivo investigations of MI mice models injected with Se hydrogels established that LV wall thickness was conserved significantly from the value of 235.6 µm to 390 µm. In addition, the relative scar thickness (33.6%) and infarct size (17.1%) of the MI model were enormously reduced after injection of Se hydrogel when compared to the Se NPs and control (MI) sample, respectively, which confirmed that Se introduced hydrogel have greatly influenced on the restoration of the infarcted heart. Based on the investigated results of the nanoformulation samples, it could be a promising material for future generations treatment of acute myocardial infarction and cardiac repair applications. Design of novel combination of Se NPs loaded poly(ethylene glycol)/tannic acid conductive hydrogel The prepared material provides favourable cell compatibility and anti-oxidant abilities Hydrogel samples significantly influenced In vitro pro- and anti-inflammatory behaviours It could be developed hydrogel promises of outstanding efficiency for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses a cooperative game-oriented optimal constraint-following problem for fuzzy mechanical systems. The state of the concerned system is affected by possibly (fast) time-varying uncertainty. The fuzzy set theory is adopted to describe such uncertainty. The task is to drive the system to obey a set of prescribed constraints optimally. Since the control objective may be changing along with the system uncertainty, a time-varying $\beta $ -measure is defined to gauge the constraint-following error; based on which, an adaptive robust control scheme with two tunable parameters is then proposed to render it to be uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness. For the seeking of the optimal design parameters, two cost functions, each of which is dominated by one tunable parameter, are developed with the fuzzy information, and thereout a two-player cooperative game is formulated. Finally, the optimal design problem is successfully solved: with the existence, uniqueness, and analytical expression of the Pareto optimality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zhe-Min Uplift (ZMU) has undergone tectonic subsidence, which has been associated with a notable transgression in the northern marginal seas of China since the middle Pleistocene. However, its uplift history during the late Quaternary is still inadequate. The Old Red Sand (ORS) is a late Pleistocene deposit that is widely distributed along the southeastern coast of China. The ORS consists of partially-cemented fine- to medium-grained sand. In this paper, we focus on mud-rich ORS deposits of the Liushui area, Pingtan Island, Fujian Province, and report optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, and new datasets of grain size, mineralogy (detrital zircon, clay and detrital minerals) and organic carbon and nitrogen isotope profiles to improve understanding of chronology, provenance, palaeoenvironmental evolution and tectonic infuence. Based on the OSL data, we hypothesize that the development of the ORS was associated with lower sea levels, with most deposition occurring within MIS4. Based on comparison of detrital zircon U Pb ages, the coarse fraction of the Liushui ORS was mainly derived from the Minjiang River, with modest input from weathering of coastal granites. The East Asian Winter Monsoon contributed some materials from the East China Sea shelf during the last glacial period, as indicated by the fine-grained nature of the Liushui ORS, low K-feldspar/plagioclase ratios, high dolomite content and the frequency of Neoproterozoic and Palaeoproterozoic detrital zircons. The deposition of the ORS was influenced by both the East Asian Winter Monsoon and sea level changes. The clay minerals in the mud layers of the Liushui ORS were dominated by kaolinite and illite, with little chlorite and no smectite, indicating that they originated from the Minjiang River. The TOC/TN ratios of the mud layers, as well as their isotope characteristics, indicate the organic matter was derived from marine sources, presumably during the transgression event in MIS5. The average uplift rate of the ORS was about 0.03 mm/yr. The uplift of the ORS provided new insights into the geological records of the ZMU, which differed from the subsidence observed in the northern region of the Minjiang River during the late Pleistocene. • The formation of the ORS was association with lower sea level, and the MIS4 was primarily the deposition stage. • During the last glacial, the more sediments from the East China Sea shelf were transported to the ORS by EAWM. • The mud layer was the transgression records during MIS5. • The distribution of the ORS was influenced by tectonic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the causative agent of hydropericardium syndrome. To clarify the effects of FAdV-4 on immune organs in birds, we conducted a detailed examination of dynamic morphology and damage mechanisms in chickens randomly divided into 4 groups (FAdV-4, vaccination, FAdV-4 plus vaccination, and control). FAdV-4 caused the depletion of lymphocytes and subsequent growth impairment in the thymus and bursa. Chickens infected with FAdV-4 and subjected to vaccination experienced greater inhibition of antibody responses to inactivated vaccines against Newcastle disease and avian influenza virus subtype H9 than uninfected and vaccinated chickens. The mechanisms underlying adenovirus-mediated lymphoid organ damage were further investigated via transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and apoptotic genes transcription analyses. Notably, lymphocytes apoptosis in lymphoid organs and expression of specific gene transcripts was significantly upregulated after infection (P < 0.05). Furthermore, increased expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA was observed (P < 0.05), compared to the control group. Our collective findings suggested that FAdV-4 caused structural and functional damage of immune organs via apoptosis along with induction of a severe inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern explorations regarding the search for a curve subject to a minimization principle and its inverse, namely the search for the minimization object based on a given curve, are made. By using the Udwadia–Kalaba theory, which subsumes the Coulomb friction force as a non-ideal constraint, we obtain the analytic expression of the equation of motion for a particle moving along the Brachistochrone cycloid curve under Coulomb friction. Then we perform the inverse problem for the moving particle. That is, while the Brachistochrone cycloid curve is given, we seek the corresponding minimization object. Both the situations with and without friction are addressed. Finally, we return to the search for a curve subject to a minimization principle to complete the loop. However, this time we presume the minimization object is the total travel time, which was addressed in the classical Brachistochrone problem (hence, frictionless), while recognizing the presence of Coulomb friction. All three analyses come to meet at the special case when there is no friction. Our research reveals profound insights that have not been reported previously. The loop analysis also suggests a new angle for the study of dynamic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the causative agent of hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), which is characterized by the accumulation of a clear, straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sac, and high mortality rates. In order to explore the mechanism of FAdV-4-induced cardiac damage, dynamic pathology, apoptosis, and inflammatory reactions were analyzed in vivo. Moreover, we detected viral proliferation, and ultrastructure, inflammation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes (CM) after FAdV-4 infection in vitro. The results showed that FAdV-4 impaired cardiac integrity and function by causing apoptosis and inflammation in vivo. Flow cytometry showed that CM infected with FAdV-4 did not show apoptosis in vitro. In addition, the mRNA expression of four inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (il)1B, il6, il8, and tumor necrosis factor), and activity of three myocardial enzymes were significantly different between FAdV-4 and control groups. However, in vitro, these indexes showed no significant difference between the groups. These observations collectively indicated that the heart was not the target organ of FAdV-4, and the virus may not directly lead to the occurrence of CM apoptosis and inflammation. To explore the source of pericardial effusion, we measured total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, sodium, and chloride ions in serum and pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion was derived from vascular exudation rather than CM degeneration. Further studies are needed to investigate the exudation mechanism of vascular endothelial cells in FAdV-4 infection then weakened or eliminated pericardial effusion to minimize heart injury and/or restore damaged CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is a hepatotrophic virus that causes severe liver diseases. • FAdV-4 impaired liver integrity and function. • FAdV-4 induced hepatocyte apoptosis and autophagy in a time-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro. • FAdV-4 induced liver injury by via a severe inflammatory response. Abstract Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is a hepatotrophic virus that causes severe liver diseases. Upon histological examination, the most remarkable findings in the liver are small multifocal areas of necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration, including basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes surrounded by a clear halo or which fill the entire nucleus. Here, we examined the mechanism responsible for FAdV-4-mediated hepatocyte damage in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that FAdV-4 impaired liver integrity and function, which decreased albumin and blood glucose concentrations and increased the plasma activity of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, compared with a non-infected control group ( P <0.05). FAdV-4 induced hepatocyte apoptosis in a time-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we found that FAdV-4 also induced the autophagy of hepatocytes, which promoted the conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I) to LC3-II, which is a hallmarks of autophagy. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in vivo and in vitro showed a statistically significant increase ( P <0.05) compared to that of the control group. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the FAdV-4-induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death remain unclear. In summation, our observations suggested that FAdV-4 induced liver injury via apoptosis, autophagy, and a severe inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) has been frequently used as an indicator in G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme (G4zyme)-based chemical and biochemical analysis, and its oxidation products are usually monitored by electrochemical or optical methods to quantify G4zyme formation-related analytes. Herein we report a simple electrochemical approach based on isoporous silica-micelle membrane (iSMM) to measure TMB, instead of its oxidation products, in G4zyme-based detection of specific analytes. The iSMM was grown on the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode, which was composed of highly ordered, vertically oriented silica nanochannels and cylindrical micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium. The iSMM-ITO electrode was selectively responsive to neutral TMB but not its oxidation products, thanks to the sieving and pre-concentration capacity of micellar structures in terms of molecular charge and lipophilicity. In other words, only TMB could be extracted and enriched into micelles and subsequently oxidized at the underlying ITO electrode surface (namely the micelle/ITO interface), generating an amplified anodic current. Since the depletion of TMB was catalyzed by G4zymes formed in the presence of specific analyte, the decrease of this anodic current enabled the quantitative detection of this analyte. The current variation relative to its initial value (( j 0 − j )/ j 0 ), termed as the current attenuation ratio, showed the obvious dependence on the analyte concentration. As proof-of-concept experiments, four substances, i.e., potassium cation (K + ), adenosine triphosphate, thrombin and nucleic acid, were detected in aqueous media and the analysis of K + in pre-treated human serum was also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemical compositions of sediments in the Dongshan Bay, a semi-enclosed bay on the southeast coast of China, were obtained to identify pollutant sources and evaluate the anthropogenic impacts over the last 100 years. The results indicated that the metal flux had been increasing since the 1980s. Enrichment factor values (Pb, Zn and Cu) suggested only slight enrichment. The proportion of anthropogenic Pb changed from 9% to 15% during 2000–2014. Coal combustion might be an important contamination source in the Dongshan Bay. The historical variation in the metal flux reflected the economic development and urbanization in the Zhangjiang drainage area in the past 30 years. According to the Landsat satellite remote sensing data, the urbanization area expanded approximately three times from 1995 to 2010. The δ 13 C values (−21‰ to −23‰) of the organic matter (OM) in the sediments indicated that the OM was primarily sourced from aquatic, terrigenous and marsh C 3 plants. Nitrogen was mainly derived from aquatic plants and terrigenous erosion before the 1980s. However, the total organic carbon (TOC) contents, total nitrogen (TN) contents and δ 15 N had been increasing since the 1980s, which suggested that the sources of nitrogen were soil erosion, fertilizer and sewage. In addition, the TOC and TN fluxes in the Dongshan Bay had significantly increased since the 1980s, which reflected the use of N fertilizer. However, the TOC and TN fluxes significantly decreased in the past decade because environmental awareness increased and environmental protection policies were implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) significantly impacts global air quality and human health due to its smaller particle size and larger specific surface area. Nitrogen and carbon aerosols, as the main components of PM 2.5 , play key roles in air pollution. This study identified the sources and seasonal variation of nitrogen and carbon aerosols in PM 2.5 in typical cities of Zhejiang. The annual average PM 2.5 concentrations of Hangzhou (HZ), Ningbo (NB), and Huzhou (HUZ) were 39.8 ± 19.1 μg m−‍3, 40.0 ± 21.5 μg m−3, and 50.1 ± 22.6 μg m−3, respectively, which exceeded the Chinese air quality limit of 35.0 μg m−3. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrogen aerosols (NO 3 − and NH 4 +) in water-soluble inorganic ions were higher at 9.6 ± 4.6 μg m−3, 9.0 ± 4.5 μg m−3 and 11.5 ± 5.4 μg m−3 in HZ, NB and HUZ, respectively, especially in winter, accounting for over 60% of the total. The annual average δ15N values of PM 2.5 were 6.2 ± 1.9‰, 6.4 ± 2.2‰ and 6.7 ± 1.9‰ in HZ, NB and HZ, respectively; the δ15N values in winter were relatively low. A Bayesian isotopic mixing model was employed to analyse the sources of nitrogen aerosols in winter; the results showed that nitrogen concentration was mainly affected by NH 3 and NO X emitted by motor vehicle exhaust, coal combustion, biomass combustion, biogenic soil emissions, animal wastes and ocean evaporation (NB). In addition, the carbon component analysis of PM 2.5 showed that the annual average mass concentration of TC accounted for 18.7%, 16.4% and 20.1% of PM 2.5 in HZ, HUZ and NB, respectively. The same isotope model was used to analyse the sources of carbon aerosols; the results showed that carbon aerosols were mainly affected by the sources of motor vehicle exhaust, coal combustion, biomass combustion and dust. In the PM 2.5 in Zhejiang, the most contributory sources of nitrogenous aerosols and carbon aerosols were motor vehicle exhaust sources. [Display omitted] • The fractionation coefficients for nitrogen aerosol conversions are different in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Huzhou. • The NO X and NH 3 sources of aerosol NO 3 − and NH 4 + in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Huzhou were identified. • The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of dust sources in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Huzhou are significantly different. • The main sources of carbon aerosol are motor vehicle exhaust in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Huzhou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Serum immunoglobulins (Igs) are frequently elevated in patients with chronic liver disease, but currently there is a lack of sufficient data on serum Igs in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection. This study aimed to evaluate serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and to analyze, if altered, immunoglobulin levels that were associated with cirrhosis progress. Methods. A cohort of 174 CHB patients including 104 with cirrhosis (32 decompensated and 72 compensated) and 70 without cirrhosis and 55 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum immunoglobulin levels and biochemical and virological parameters were determined in the enrollment blood samples. Results. Serum IgA levels were significantly increased in cirrhosis group compared with noncirrhosis group and healthy controls (all P<0.001). Furthermore, serum IgA concentrations in decompensated cirrhosis patients were significantly higher than that of compensated patients (P=0.002). Multivariate analysis suggested that serum IgA, platelets, and albumin were independent predictors for cirrhosis (all P<0.001). Conclusions. Elevated IgA levels may function as an independent factor indicating cirrhosis, and there appears to be a strong association between increasing serum IgA level and disease progressing in patients with chronic HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammation index that has been shown to independently predict poor clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the clinical value of NLR in the prediction of 30-day mortality in patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis (HBV-DeCi). Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study that included 148 patients with HBV-DeCi. Results. An elevated NLR was associated with increased severity of liver disease and mortality within 30 days. Multivariate analysis suggested that NLR, similar to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, is an additional independent predictor of 30-day mortality (P<0.01). Conclusion. Our results suggest that a high NLR can be considered a new independent biomarker for predicting 30-day mortality in patients with HBV-DeCi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of solid contact (SC) transducer are crucial for obtaining stable solid state ion selective electrodes (ISEs). We report in this work that the hybrid nanomaterial composed of graphene and sliver tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (AgTFPB), designated graphene&AgTFPB, can be sandwiched between an ion selective membrane (ISM) containing TFPB − and a silver conducting substrate (CS) and effectively work as the SC transducer to provide ion-to-electron translation. Thus developed solid state ISEs, designated Ag/graphene&AgTFPB/K + -ISM electrodes, demonstrated a Nernstian response to K + with a slope of 56.46 (±0.25) mV/decade ( n = 5) in a concentration range of 10 −5.2 –10 −2.9 M with a detection limit of 10 −5.73 M, as well as a sufficient stability against O 2 , CO 2 and light. Furthermore, the Ag/graphene&AgTFPB/K + -ISM electrodes displayed a standard electromotive force (EMF) of 550.42 (±1.34) mV with a batch-to-batch deviation of 1.26 mV. We believe that the superior potential stability and reproducibility can be ascribed to the graphene&AgTFPB nanocomposites SC. We believe that the doped AgTFPB can provide the ion-to-electron transduction via the Ag/AgTFPB/TFPB − redox conversion at the SC/CS interface and the ion-exchange equilibrium of TFPB − at the ISM/SC interface. Thus, the overall potential difference across the potentiometric measurement cell can be theoretically formulated in terms of thermodynamic equilibrium at two interfaces. Moreover, the highly hydrophobic nature of graphene&AgTFPB nanocomposites can also substantially suppress the formation of water layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of mixed solutions containing an anionic polyelectrolyte, carboxymethylchitosan (CMCH), and cationic gemini surfactants, alkanediyl-bis-(dimethyldodecyl-ammonium bromide) (C- s-C, s = 2, 6, 12), has been investigated by surface tension method. The oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and the surfactants co-adsorb at the surface to form highly surface-active complexes. Combining the surface tension data with the Gibbs equation, it is referred that the surface layers of the mixed solutions have the multi-level structure, which includes the sublayers beneath an outermost layer. The gemini surfactant spacer with different length takes different conformations in the surface layers. The salt (NaBr) effects on the adsorption of the mixtures have also been studied. The spacer length of C- s-C influences the responses of CMCH/C- s-C mixtures to the salt effects. The comprehensive salt effects depend on the competition between the salt-enhancing effect and the salt-weakening effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivity of halide anion (Cl) with monolayer-protected gold nanoclusters (MPCs) of 1.8 nm in diameter has been studied. Typically, thin films of MPCs were prepared on an electrode surface and immersed in aqueous solutions containing Cl. It was observed that Cl inevitably resulted in the destruction of electrochemical charging of MPC films, which was studied and analyzed in details by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The destruction is most likely due to the strong affinity of Cl for the surface of MPCs, leading to a significant variation of the surface structure and thereby quenching the electrochemical charging property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A constraint following framework is formulated for motion control of mechanical systems. • A robust control is designed to render the constraint-following error to be uniformly bounded and uniformly ultimately bounded. • An optimization framework oriented by non-cooperative game is formulated for optimal design of the design parameters. • The Nash equilibrium (i.e., the optimal design parameters) is proved to be always existent and unique. • The analytical expression of the Nash equilibrium is achieved. This paper focuses on the optimization of constraint obedience for mechanical systems based on robust control design and non-cooperative game theory. The (possibly fast) time-varying but bounded system uncertainty is considered. First, it aims at a controller to drive the concerned system to follow a set of prescribed constraints. A problem of constraint-following is formulated with a β -measure as the gauge of constraint-following error, and then a robust control with two tunable parameters is proposed to render the measure to be uniformly bounded and uniformly ultimately bounded. Second, it aims at the optimal design of control parameters. A two-player non-cooperative game is formulated with two cost functions, each of which is dominated by one tunable parameter and consists of three parts: the state cost, the time cost and the control cost. Finally, the Nash equilibrium (i.e., the optimal control parameters) is obtained by minimizing the cost functions. By this, the optimization of constraint obedience for mechanical systems is achieved with the existence , uniqueness , and analytical expression of the Nash equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the tracking control problem of the projectile hitting point of the moving tank is studied. First, a multi-body dynamic model with stability systems is established. Second, the nonlinear coupling dynamic equation of turret-barrel pointing system is established. Third, the trajectory equation of exterior ballistic (EB) projectile in six degree-of-freedom is established, and the pointing problem was transformed into a problem of hitting point tracking through coordinate transformation. Forth, an adaptive robust feedback control method is proposed to make the predicted hitting point tracking the expected position accurately. Finally, Chebyshev surrogate model is used to replace the EB differential equation, which effectively reduces the time required by co-simulation. This paper combines the EB process with the tracking control problem, which effectively ensures the first-round chance of hit for the tank gun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 (MDA5) acts as a cytoplasmic RNA sensor to detect viral dsRNA and mediates antiviral innate immune responses to infection by RNA viruses. Upon recognition of viral dsRNA, MDA5 is activated with K63-linked polyubiquitination and then triggers the recruitment of MAVS and activation of TBK1 and IKKα/β, subsequently leading to IRF3 and NF-κB phosphorylation. However, the specific E3 ubiquitin ligase for MDA5 K63-polyubiquitination has not been well characterized. Great numbers of symptomatic and severe infections of SARS-CoV-2 are spreading worldwide, and the poor efficacy of treatment with type I interferon and antiviral immune agents indicates that SARS-CoV-2 escapes from antiviral immune responses via several unknown mechanisms. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 8 (nsp8) acts as a suppressor of antiviral innate immune and inflammatory responses to promote infection of SARS-CoV-2. It downregulates the expression of type I interferon, IFN-stimulated genes and proinflammatory cytokines by binding to MDA5 and TRIM4 and impairing TRIM4-mediated MDA5 K63-linked polyubiquitination. Our findings reveal that nsp8 mediates innate immune evasion during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may serve as a potential target for future therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infectious diseases. Author summary: The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 has caused mass casualties worldwide, and the failure of antiviral interferon treatment suggests the existence of important mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 innate immune evasion. It has been reported that several viral proteins of severe coronaviruses suppress antiviral immune responses; however, the knowledge of immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 remains limited. Here, we revealed that nsp8 protein of SARS-CoV-2 directly blocks the activation of viral dsRNA sensor MDA5 by impairing TRIM4-mediated K63-linked polyubiquitination and significantly downregulates antiviral immune responses. Our findings contribute to the comprehensive understanding of the direct immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 that nsp8 suppresses the recognition of viral dsRNA and activation of MDA5 signalosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H9N2 avian influenza has been prevalent in chicken flocks of China for years. In the first half year of 2018, clinical cases of suspected H9N2 infection were collected from chicken flocks in Shandong province. Nine strains of H9N2 influenza virus were isolated. The pathological changes of the dead chickens were mainly respiratory inflammation, renal swelling, and secondary infection. The microscopic lesions were consistent with the pathogenic characteristics of H9N2 influenza virus. From November 2017 to June 2018, a total of 3,380 serum samples were randomly collected from commercial laying hens in Shandong Province. The H9 antibody levels were tested with the isolated strain (CK/SD/231/17) as the antigen. It showed that the average of antibody titers of H9 avian influenza was 9.24 1og2. Hemagglutination inhibition experiments were conducted on chicken serum with the vaccine virus and the isolated virus (CK/SD/231/17) as the antigens. It was found that the antibody titer measured with the vaccine virus was 1 or 2 titers higher than the isolated strain. It indicated that the antigenicity of H9N2 circulating strain was different from that of vaccine strain. The nucleotide sequences of HA gene of these recent H9N2 avian influenza virus isolates shared homologies from 93.8 to 99.9%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the eight gene segments of the viruses were in the same clades with G57 gene reference strain. The amino acid site analysis of influenza resistance showed that the virus was sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors and resistant to amantadine. Highlights : The protection rate of the H9N2 AIV vaccine almost reached 100% before 2016, but the antibody level of serum samples showed high diversity in this study, which means the poultry were infected. The antigenicity of isolated H9N2 strains was different from that of vaccine strain. Current available vaccines may provide only limited protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00319 has been reported to promote carcinogenesis of lung cancer and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. However, the role and mechanism of LINC00319 in ovarian cancer progression is unclear. In this study, LINC00319 expression was found to be upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. And our evidence showed that LINC00319 could be a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with ovarian cancer. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and transwell assays indicated that LINC00319 upregulation promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay revealed that LINC00319 worked as the sponge for miR-423-5p. Furthermore, miR-423-5p directly targeted NACC1. qRT-PCR and western blot results demonstrated that LINC00319 upregulates NACC1 expression through inhibiting miR-423-5p in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, we observed an inverse expression correlation between miR-423-5p and LINC00319 or between miR-423-5p and NACC1 in ovarian cancer tissues. Finally, rescue assay showed that NACC1 restoration rescued the potentials of proliferation, migration and invasion in LINC00319-depleted ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that LINC00319 promotes ovarian cancer progression through upregulating NACC1 expression by restraining miR-423-5p. Highlights • LINC00319 is upregulated in ovarian cancer. • LINC00319 promotes ovarian cancer proliferation, migration and invasion. • LINC00319 promotes NACC1 expression by interacting with miR-423-5p. • LINC00319 promotes ovarian cancer progression relying on miR-423-5p/NACC1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare aggressive B-cell lymphoma in immunosuppressed patients, is etiologically associated with oncogenic γ-herpesvirus infection. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat PEL but usually results in poor prognosis and survival; thus, novel therapies and drug development are urgently needed for PEL treatment. Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of Ring finger protein 5 (RNF5), an ER-localized E3 ligase, suppresses multiple cellular pathways and lytic replication of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in PEL cells. RNF5 interacts with and induces Ephrin receptors A3 (EphA3) and EphA4 ubiquitination and degradation. RNF5 inhibition increases the levels of EphA3 and EphA4, thereby reducing ERK and Akt activation and KSHV lytic replication. RNF5 inhibition decreased PEL xenograft tumor growth and downregulated viral gene expression, cell cycle gene expression, and hedgehog signaling in xenograft tumors. Our study suggests that RNF5 plays the critical roles in KSHV lytic infection and tumorigenesis of primary effusion lymphoma. Author summary: Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare malignant B-cell lymphoma with multifarious gene mutations and genomic abnormalities, and is tightly associated with KSHV infection; currently, no effective therapy for PEL has been established. RNF5 regulates autophagy, antiviral and antitumor immunity, inflammation and metabolism, which are important for tumorigenesis. However, whether RNF5 acts as a therapeutic target for viral infection or cancer chemotherapy remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that RNF5 inhibition suppresses PEL xenograft tumor growth and oncogenic KSHV lytic replication through increased EphA3 and EphA4 levels and decreased downstream pathways. Thus, our study may provide a promising candidate for developing the treatment of KSHV-positive diseases and primary effusion lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses a problem of dynamic friction compensation for fully electric pitch system of tank based on modified LuGre model. Aiming to design a controller to realize friction modeling and compensating of fully electric pitch system of tank in large range of motion speeds. First, a nonlinear mathematical model including modified friction model and time-varying disturbance is established for fully electric pitch system of tank. Second, a disturbance compensation robust feedback term is designed to compensate the time-varying disturbance to reduce the impact of the disturbance on the control performance by adaptive estimation of the upper bound of the unmodeled disturbance. Third, the uncertainty parameters and friction state of the system are estimated and the adaptive control law combined with friction compensation is designed to reduce the sensitivity of the system to parameter uncertainty and nonlinear friction. Fourth, the global stability of the system is proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, a virtual prototype model of tank moving based on friction disturbance and road excitation is established. The co-simulation results show that the proposed method can accurately estimate and compensate model parameters, nonlinear friction states and disturbances, and has the advantages of high control precision, good stability and strong robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kong, H.; Shen, J.; Zhao, Y., and Sun, Q., 2022. Assessment of sea-area benchmark pricing: Using Chinese aquaculture to evaluate and revise the price structure of resources. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(5), 925–936. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. China has implemented a system of paid use of sea areas and has in recent years promoted their market-oriented allocation to ameliorate the efficiency and to realize their intensive and economical use. Estimations of the sea-area benchmark price can reveal the differences in sea areas, quality, and efficiency. This study introduces a framework to assess the benchmark price of the sea areas, applied to open aquaculture in Lianjiang County (Fujian Province, China). The assessment results show that the sea area used for bottom-sowing aquaculture in Lianjiang County was classified as Grade 2, whereas the sea area used for raft aquaculture and net cage aquaculture was classified as Grade 4. Upon comprehensive consideration of the theoretical value and the actual demand for sea-area management, the benchmark price of three types of open aquaculture sea areas is evaluated. The benchmark prices for bottom-sowing culture sea areas were found to be RMB 65–117/mu/year; for raft culture sea areas, they were RMB 20–252/mu/year; and for net cage culture, sea areas were RMB 100–800/mu/year. Overall, this study constructed a revised system of sea-area benchmark pricing, considering the natural conditions of the sea area, policy factors, transportation and infrastructure, culture conditions, and development degree. These results could be used as the guiding prices of the government to transfer sea-area resources and could ensure the realization of the economic interests of the government as owner of the sea area. Furthermore, this approach can provide a novel way to evaluate sea-area prices in other coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a crucial pathogen and contributes to various infections in numerous animal species. Swine streptococcicosis outbreak caused by SEZ has been reported in several countries in recent years. SzM protein is a cell membrane-anchored protein, which exhibits as an important virulence factor of SEZ. Effects of SzM protein on host innate immune need further study. Here, recombinant SzM (rSzM) protein of the SEZ was obtained, and mice were intraperitoneally injected with rSzM protein. We discovered that rSzM protein can recruit neutrophils into the injected site. In further study, neutrophils were isolated and treated with rSzM protein, NETs release were triggered by rSzM protein independently, and GSDMD protein was promoted-expressed and activated. In order to investigate the role of GSDMD in NETs formation, neutrophils isolated from WT mice and GSDMD−/− mice were treated with rSzM protein. The results showed that GSDMD deficiency suppressed the NETs release. In conclusion, SzM protein of SEZ can trigger the NETs release in a GSDMD-depending manner. [Display omitted] • SzM protein of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus recruits neutrophils into the injected site. • SzM protein of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus activates GSDMD in neutrophil. • SzM protein Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus induces the release of NETs in a GSDMD-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile method of confining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in silica nanochannels aligned perpendicularly to an underlying electrode surface is reported. The nanochannel surface carrying a layer of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxy silane (APTS) displays a strong electrostatic interaction with AuCl4−, eventually resulting in the confinement of AuNPs inside the nanochannels after chemical reduction. As-prepared AuNPs in APTS-modified mesoporous silica film (APTS-MSF) are highly dispersed with a narrow size distribution. Furthermore, these AuNPs are free of protecting ligands and exhibit a good electrochemical catalytic activity toward the oxidation of ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile edge computing effectively reduces the network delay of requests during data transmission, reduces the transmission burden of data traffic in the network, and improves the quality of mobile services. However, the introduction of mobile edge computing architecture increases the cost of the actual network infrastructure deployment, which increases the complexity of resource management. An edge network architecture based on software-defined network technology is proposed, in which the SDN controller with the entire network state can manage data transmission more intelligently to maximize the utilization of edge servers. In addition, to solve the problems of high request delay and high operating cost in current caching strategies based on video services, a video caching strategy for mobile edge computing is proposed. First, we analyze the user's request data and use the neural network model to predict the content of the user's subsequent time slice request and pre-cache the user's request. Then, improve the quality of user experience and choose the most appropriate edge node cache deployment plan. Finally, a video caching strategy for mobile edge computing with coordinated optimization of delay and energy consumption is proposed. The Branch and Bound algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. Finally, we compared our algorithm with the LFU algorithm, PBC algorithm, COC algorithm, and R-LCCA algorithm. Experimental results show that the algorithm has a high cache hit rate, thereby reducing the cost of video providers and improving the quality of user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The N52 demagnetization curve at different temperatures is obtained through experiments. • The experiments and simulation of electromagnetic buffer under intensive impact load are carried out. • The validated simulation model is used to further analyze other operating conditions. With the continuous expansion of the application field of sintered neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), its demagnetization behavior in specific devices deserves further attention. The systematic research on the demagnetization model of NdFeB and its application in specific devices was yet studied. To end this, a suite of tests was implemented to obtain the demagnetization curves at different temperatures of NdFeB. Referred to Jiles-Atherton (J-A) model, the hysteresis model used herein was fitted by the experimental data, so that a set of improved J-A model parameters for the tested materials was achieved. The model was further applied to the simulation calculation of electromagnetic buffer and the corresponding experimental research was also carried out. The simulation model was verified by comparing the electromagnetic buffering force and the buffering displacement obtained from both the simulations and experiments. The finite element model that had been verified by experiments was further applied to the calculation of more severe and complex working conditions. This article takes a specific application of sintered NdFeB as an example. Starting from the energy source, the influence of the nonlinearity of the sintered NdFeB hysteresis loop and temperature on the working process are fully considered. The calculation results of the simulation model provide a reference for the design of the electromagnetic buffer, and also provide ideas for the simulation and design of other electromagnetic devices [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We herein investigated the counterion-dependent redox charging properties of gold nanocluster films in polar organic solvents. They were found to be in between those demonstrated in polar aqueous and weakly polar/nonpolar organic media, typically characteristic of a significant voltage separation between the first oxidation and reduction dependent on the lipophilicity of electrolyte counterions. The overall process was proposed to be an ion transfer coupled electron transfer reaction, which was thermodynamically limited by the counterion migration at the film/solution interface and kinetically by the diffusion-like electron hopping among MPCs within the film. These data are helpful in understanding why in previous works the counterion-dependent redox charging is evident only in highly polar aqueous media but not in weakly polar or nonpolar organic solvents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, hydrogenated tungsten oxide(WO 3-x) was synthesized. Through experiments, it was found that the material could effectively use infrared light to generate free radicals and effectively remove trimethoprim(TMP). Among them, O 2 ·-and H 2 O 2 are the main types of free radicals. SEM, TEM, XRD, UV–Vis-IR diffuse reflection, and repeatability experiments proved the high efficiency of infrared light utilization and the stability of the material itself. Besides, nine degradation products and two pathways of TMP in the system were first discovered. [Display omitted] • Hydrogenated WO 3 (WO 3-x) has good infrared light utilization. • The mechanism of infrared enhanced degradation of TMP was investigated. • Nine novel trimethoprim degradation products have been first discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immediate-early protein BRLF1 plays important roles in lytic infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), in which it activates lytic viral transcription and replication. However, knowledge of the influence of BRLF1 on cellular gene expression and transcriptional reprogramming during the early lytic cycle remains limited. In the present study, deep RNA-sequencing analysis identified all differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing in B lymphoma cells subjected to wild-type and BRLF1-deficient EBV primary infection. The BRLF1-dependent cellular DEGs were annotated, and major differentially enriched pathways were related to DNA replication and transcription, immune and inflammatory responses, cytokine-receptor interactions and chemokine signaling and metabolic processes. Furthermore, analysis of BRLF1-binding proteins by mass spectrometry shows that BRLF1 binds to and cooperates with several transcription factors and components of the spliceosome and then influences both RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription and pre-mRNA splicing. The RTA-binding RRE motifs or specific motifs of unique cooperative transcription factors in viral and cellular DEG promoter regions indicate that BRLF1 employs different strategies for regulating viral and cellular transcription. Thus, our study characterized BRLF1-dependent cellular and viral transcriptional profile during primary infection and then revealed the comprehensive virus-cell interaction and alterations of transcription during EBV primary infection and lytic replication. • All differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing were identified in EBV-WT vs. EBV-ΔBRLF1 primary infection. • BRLF1-dependent cellular DEGs were mainly related to DNA replication and transcription, immune and inflammatory responses. • BRLF1 binds to and cooperates with transcription factors and spliceosome, influences transcription and pre-mRNA splicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertain optimization problem for structural dynamic responses of artillery systems is studied from the perspective of uncertainty and system engineering. First, a rigid–flexible coupling dynamic model of artillery at the maximum firing angle is constructed, which can achieve coupling relationships between interior ballistics, launching loads and artillery movement. Secondly, an integration method of optimal Latin hypercube design and regression analysis is used to obtain the polynomial model, followed by sensitivity analysis. Thus, the key parameters affecting the dynamic response are identified. An interval uncertain optimization method for artillery structural dynamic responses considering robustness and interval economy is then proposed, based on nonlinear interval programming and the nested optimization solving strategy, which integrates the back-propagation neural network with the genetic algorithm as the inner optimizer, and uses the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II as the outer optimizer. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian leukosis virus subgroup J has been found to infect many types of chickens with various genetic backgrounds. The ALV-J strain NX0101, which was isolated from broiler breeders in 2001, mainly induces the formation of myeloid cell tumors. However, strain HN10PY01, which was recently isolated from laying hens, mainly induces the formation of myeloid cell tumors and hemangioma. In order to determine the difference in pathogenicity of the 2 strains in broiler chickens, 2 groups of chicken embryos were infected with NA0101 and HN10PY01 separately. A comparison was made of the mortality, oncogenicity, body weights, indexes for immune organs, levels of ALV group-specific antigen p27, and mRNA expression levels of the tumor-related gene, p53 , in ALV-J-infected birds and immune organs of theses chickens in response to Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus subtype H9 (AIV-H9) vaccination. The results indicated that strain NX0101 was highly pathogenic in broiler chickens and led to a 30% mortality rate and 45% oncogenicity, compared with the HN10PY01-infected birds. Weight of chickens was also significantly lower after 15 wk (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of tumor-related p53 in medulla, liver, and lung in broilers infected with strain NX0101 were significantly higher than those infected with strain HN10PY01 (P < 0.05). These results indicated that strain NX0101 had a higher replication ability in broiler chickens. The findings of this study will contribute to further elucidating the mechanisms underlying host susceptibility and tumor classification in ALV-J-infected chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, sepiolite (SEP) had a well-ordered pore structure, affluent surface acidity, and excellent hydrothermal stability and was used as the support to load CoO species. The acidified modified SEP (m-SEP) and as-prepared CoO/m-SEP catalysts were included in the lignin depolymerization reaction under supercritical methanol. m-SEP and CoO/m-SEP were characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, powdered X-ray diffraction, NH3 temperature programmed desorption, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental analysis, and N2 isothermal adsorption. The results revealed that CoO/m-SEP had appropriate surface acidity and a larger pore diameter than m-SEP. As expected, CoO/m-SEP showed the highest degree of lignin liquefaction (74.25%) and yield of the petroleum ether soluble product (8.18%) as well as the lowest char yield (11.23%) under the same reaction conditions. In addition, the effect of reaction temperature on the degradation of lignin was investigated over the CoO/m-SEP catalyst under supercritical methanol. It found that increasing the reaction temperature would promote the lignin depolymerization, while excessively high temperature would lead to severe repolymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An index of relative importance (IRI) was employed to screen for dominant fish in the waters surrounding the Taishan Islands, China, using data from four seasonal trawl surveys undertaken between 2012 and 2013. Niche breadth and niche overlap were measured using the Feinsinger and Morisita-Horn indices, respectively, and the characteristics and seasonal variations in the niches of dominant fish were assessed via non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and cluster analysis. A total of 80 fish species, including 16 dominant species, were recorded. Only Amblychaeturichthys hexanema was dominant in all seasons. According to niche breadth values and NMDS, the 16 dominant species were grouped into the following three types: (1) wide niche breadth species, including Cynoglossus macrolepidotus, A. hexanema, and Trypauchen vagina, among others; (2) medium niche breadth species, including Setipinna taty and Johnius belangerii; and (3) narrow niche breadth species, including Atrobucca nibe and Coilia mystus. Most species with a wider niche breadth were demersal fish with a lower swimming capability and even distribution. The niche breadth of migrating fish was narrower than that of settled fish. At a given spatial scale, fish with stronger swimming capabilities had a narrower niche breadth. Niche overlap, which is associated with niche specialization, ranged from 0.000 to 0.886 and had an annual mean value of 0.314. In summer and autumn, niche overlap was relatively high within species of the Sciaenidae family and within species of the Gobiidae in autumn. Differences in thermophily, feeding habits, food organism abundance/distribution and predator-prey relationships affected the niche overlap of fish in this area. Cluster analysis revealed that species with the narrowest niche breadth and lowest niche overlap values usually displayed lower aggregation and greater distribution differences compared with other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of order degree of amorphous germanium (a-Ge) on metal induced crystallization (MIC) of a-Ge was explored. Prior to the MIC process, a pre-annealing step was employed to slightly increase the order degree of a-Ge. The pre-annealing process did indeed contribute to the crystalline ratio but tended to result in multi-preferential orientations, as evidenced by XRD curves showing both broad (111) and (220) peaks. By contrast, applying just the MIC process led to the observation of a single (111) orientation. This conflict prevented mutual diffusion between Ge and Al, reducing the effect of MIC. Due to this behavior, Al was left on the surface and formed interesting patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mesoporous silica film (MSF) with vertically oriented mesochannels on a conductive substrate serves as a hard-template for electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI). The PANI nanostructures thus prepared are orderly confined in silica mesochannels, eventually producing a robust hybrid film. The film displays a good electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of ascorbic acid, and can be used for potentiometric pH sensing with a Nernstian response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang, J.P.; Liao, H.L.; Huang, H.P.; Zhang, R., and Sun, Q.Q., 2020. Discussion on the process of nitrification and denitrification by combining laboratory culture with dual isotope method in Lianhua River and Reservoir, Southeast China. In: Guido Aldana, P.A. and Kantamaneni, K. (eds.), Advances in Water Resources, Coastal Management, and Marine Science Technology. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 104, pp. 486–491. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. As an indispensable part of water ecological nitrogen cycle, nitrification and denitrification play a crucial role in the process of nitrogen retention and release in river ecosystem. In order to certificate the nitrification and denitrification potential of surface water and sediment in different seasons and explain biogeochemical effects of nitrogen in a longitudinal gradient from upstream to downstream, we used lab culture and dual isotope tracing methods in Lianhua River and Reservoir, southeast China. The results show that the main sources of nitrate pollution in water body were NH4+ fertilizer, NO3- fertilizer, soil nitrogen, manure and waste water. Nitrification and denitrification processes mainly occur in sediment in river system. The potential ammonia nitrification rate (17.143∼171.429 µmol.m-2.h-1,) is significantly higher than that of nitrite oxidation rate (0.052∼2.267 µmol.m-2.h-1) which indicates that the biomass of AOB (Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria) in sediment is higher than that of NOB (Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria). Agricultural headwater river with relatively high organic nitrogen and low water level during winter dry season provides rich source of organic carbon and the anaerobic environment. Therefore, denitrification is more likely to occur in winter than in other seasons. Whereas, compared to the total potential nitrification rate (17.148∼173.223 µmol.m-2.h-1), total potential denitrification rate (2.224∼51.555 µmol.m-2.h-1) is not the dominant process especially in spring and summer, which illustrates that high nitrogen of the upstream water could cause certain potential risk to the eutrophication for the downstream of the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interval uncertain optimization method is proposed for engineering uncertain optimization problems. The first-order derivative information may be unavailable in practical engineering systems. To overcome this drawback, the method to calculate the first-order partial derivatives with a back-propagation neural network is investigated, and a numerical example is presented to demonstrate its fine precision. In the optimization process, the back-propagation neural network and its first-order derivatives are introduced into the interval perturbation method and combined with the subinterval method, the extrema of the uncertain objective function and uncertain constraints can be approximated without much computational cost. Thus the most challenging problem in current interval optimization, namely low optimization efficiency caused by nested optimization can be solved to a certain extent. A two-bar structure system is adopted to validate its fine precision and high computational efficiency in interval bounds estimation. Based on the interval order relation and interval possibility degree model, an interval uncertain optimization model can be transformed into a deterministic optimization model, and be solved by some auxiliary optimization algorithm. A numerical example and an engineering application have indicated that this method is efficient for uncertain optimization problems. • First-order derivative feature of back-propagation neural networks is investigated. • Back-propagation neural network and its derivatives are applied to interval analysis. • A new nonlinear interval number programming is proposed for engineering optimization. • This method can solve the low efficiency caused by the nested optimization. • The effectiveness of the presented method is verified by two numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]