Search

Understanding the characteristics of minute‐scale short‐duration intense rainfall and its possible link with urbanization is valuable for addressing urban climate change and evaluating biases in high‐resolution historical precipitation data series. This study analyses the long‐term trends of rainy‐season minute‐scale intense rainfall events at different continuous time periods based on precipitation data from 20 national meteorological stations in the Beijing area covering the period from 1961 to 2021. This study shows that during the whole period analysed, the number of events of intense rainfall lasting 15 min or longer decreased, while the number of shorter‐duration events and the accumulated precipitation increased. The frequency and amount of minute‐scale intense rainfall recorded by urban stations are generally higher than those recorded by rural stations in terms of climatological means. The signal of the urbanization effect in minute‐scale precipitation changes is detectable, with the contribution of urbanization to the trends in average precipitation of 30‐min intense rainfall being 68.8%, whereas the contributions with respect to the frequency of 20‐ and 30‐min intense rainfall and the maximum precipitation of intense rainfall with a duration of 45 min reach 100%. The results of the analysis can provide reference for understanding long‐term changes in short‐duration rainfall and the possibility that they are driven by local anthropogenic activity, as well as bias in the minute‐scale precipitation data series of urban observation sites when they are used in studies of large‐scale intense precipitation changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider leap‐frog finite element methods with EQ1rot$$ {\mathrm{EQ}}_1^{\mathrm{rot}} $$ element for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with wave operator. We propose that both the continuous and discrete systems can keep mass and energy conservation. In addition, we focus on the unconditional superconvergence analysis of the numerical scheme, the key of which is the time‐space error splitting technique. The spatial error is derived τ$$ \tau $$ independently with order O(h2+hτ)$$ O\left({h}^2+ h\tau \right) $$ in H1$$ {H}^1 $$‐norm, where h$$ h $$ and τ$$ \tau $$ denote the space and time step size. Then the unconditional optimal L2$$ {L}^2 $$ error and superclose result with order O(h2+τ2)$$ O\left({h}^2+{\tau}^2\right) $$ are deduced, and the unconditional optimal H1$$ {H}^1 $$ error is obtained with order O(h+τ2)$$ O\left(h+{\tau}^2\right) $$ by using interpolation theory. The final unconditional superconvergence result with order O(h2+τ2)$$ O\left({h}^2+{\tau}^2\right) $$ is derived by the interpolation postprocessing technique. Furthermore, we apply the proposed leap‐frog finite element methods to solve the logarithmic Schrödinger equation with wave operator by introducing a regularized system with a small regularization parameter 0<ϵ≪1$$ 0<\epsilon \ll 1 $$. The detailed theoretical conclusions, including the mass and energy conservation laws of the continuous regularized and discrete regularized systems and the convergence and superconvergence results, are presented as prolongation of the previous work. At last, some numerical experiments are given to confirm our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the associations of serum trace elements (iron, zinc, and copper) between women with different pregnancy outcomes. Methods: About 774 pregnant women who came to The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang for prenatal examination were investigated. The concentrations of trace elements in the serum of pregnant women in the third trimester were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum trace element levels and the different pregnancy outcomes. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between serum trace elements levels and hypersensitive‐C‐reactive‐protein. Results: Results of the multiple logistic regression showed that zinc, copper and copper/zinc ratio were found to be associated with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, and zinc was a protective factor (p = 0.002) while copper and copper/zinc ratio as risk factors (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001, respectively) after adjusting for major confounders. It was found that iron and zinc were negatively associated with the risk of moderate or severe anemia (p = 0.022 and p = 0.001, respectively). In contrast, the copper/zinc ratio was positively related to the risk of moderate or severe anemia (p = 0.021). The adjusted relationships between copper and copper/zinc ratio with premature rupture of membranes were statistically significant (p = 0.007 and p = 0.037). Iron and zinc were negatively associated with the risk of chorioamnionitis, while copper and copper/zinc ratio were positively associated with the risk of chorioamnionitis (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum iron, zinc and copper levels are closely related to pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To aggregate and synthesize the findings of qualitative studies exploring the challenges perceived by nurses in home health nursing. A qualitative meta-synthesis. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted in December 2020 and updated in October 2022. Data were analyzed using the meta-aggregation method, and the analytical process used to derive themes was inductive. Eleven qualitative studies were included, and four major challenges perceived by nurses were identified: (1) challenges in the performance of duties, (2) struggles with specific and restricted factors related to practice, (3) underestimation of the value of emotion, and (4) a difficult-to-surmount relationship gap. Home health nursing is associated with numerous challenges due to its complexity and high demand. The findings of this study are beneficial with respect to obtaining a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with home nursing. After considering the existing problems, it is necessary to take measures to overcome these challenges, and individuals, families and society should make efforts to develop this profession further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we solve the coupled Ginzburg-Landau equations by using a linearized variable-time-step second order backward differentiation formula in time combining with a nonconforming virtual element method in space. Based on the techniques of the discrete orthogonal convolution kernels and the discrete complementary convolution kernels, the unconditional optimal L 2 -norm error estimate of the fully discrete scheme was presented by using the error splitting technique under the mild restriction on the ratio of adjacent time-steps ratios. Finally, numerical experiments illustrate the correctness of our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A few studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) can repair the intestinal barrier through unknown mechanisms. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) was shown to play an important role in the protection of the gut barrier in recent studies. Gut microbiota can influence the expression of CB1. In this study, we explored the effect of EA on the gut barrier in acute colitis and its mechanism. Methods: A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis model, CB1 antagonist model and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) model were used in this study. The disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, histological score, and inflammatory factors were detected to evaluate colonic inflammation. Methods for detecting intestinal barrier functions included the expression of tight junction proteins, intestinal permeability, and the number of goblet cells. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing was applied to analyze alterations in the gut microbiota. Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to assess the levels of CB1 and autophagy-related proteins. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: EA reduced the DAI score, histological score, levels of inflammatory factors, and restored the colon length. Moreover, EA increased the expression of tight junction proteins and the number of goblet cells, and decreased intestinal permeability. In addition, EA remodeled the community structure of the gut microbiota, increased the expression of CB1, and enhanced the degree of autophagy. However, the therapeutic effects were reversed by CB1 antagonists. In addition, FMT in the EA group exhibited similar effects to EA and upregulated CB1. Conclusions: We concluded that EA may protect intestinal barrier functions by increasing the expression of CB1 to enhance autophagy through gut microbiota in DSS-induced acute colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) significantly promotes the fertilizer N uptake efficiency of crops and evidently affects soil available N (nitrate, ammonium and glutamate) status. As an adaptive strategy to forage N, root morphology responds variably to soil available N dynamics. Detailed knowledge of how root morphology responds to γ-PGA remains unexplored. A pot trial was conducted to investigate the response of root morphological traits to γ-PGA when applied with CO(NH2)2 or (NH4)2SO4. The results showed that γ-PGA significantly improved the dry weight, total carbon and total nitrogen content of roots, and with a higher improvement with CO(NH2)2 compared to (NH4)2SO4. γ-PGA significantly increased the root length, total surface area, tips and forks with CO(NH2)2. Contrarily, γ-PGA significantly reduced root length, specific root length, specific root area, root volume, tips and forks with (NH4)2SO4, with its inhibition on root growth mainly caused by the high ammonium content in soil. In conclusion, γ-PGA gives opposite effects on root morphological traits when applied with CO(NH2)2 or (NH4)2SO4. This finding provides a new insight to reveal the promotion mechanism of γ-PGA on plant N acquisition in the rhizosphere and offers a practical reference for optimizing γ-PGA and fertilizer application management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and portable biosensor is proposed for simple detection of microRNAs based on a supersandwich hybridization signal amplification strategy and a glucometer transducer. The presence of a target microRNA triggers the cascading hybridization chain reaction to create long supersandwich assemblies containing multiple biotin-labelled DNA probes. Then, large amounts of biotin-modified invertase signal molecules can attach to the supersandwich assemblies to generate an amplified signal for the glucometer readout. With such supersandwich format, a single target microRNA can introduce many biotin-invertase signal molecules, resulting in a one-to-multiple amplification effect. Thus, the accurate quantification of microRNAs can be achieved in a simple detection fashion without the requirement of expensive or precise instrumentation. The linear range of the biosensor for microRNA was from 0.05 to 100 nM with a detection limit of 48 pM. The proposed biosensor can discriminate the target microRNA from its family members with high selectivity and can be successfully applied to the detection of target microRNA spiked in serum samples with a good recovery (96.0–108.0%). Therefore, the proposed biosensor is expected to provide more information for early and accurate cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) affects glucose metabolism by increasing insulin secretion and insulin receptor expression. However, whether 25(OH)D deficiency will increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been clearly reported. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels in the second trimester of pregnancy and the risk of GDM. Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 247 pregnant women came to the fourth hospital of Shijiazhuang (The affiliated obstetrics and gynecology hospital of Hebei Medical University) for obstetrics were investigated during the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The levels of 25(OH)D in the second trimester (16–20 weeks) and oral 75 g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy were reviewed. The sociodemographic data were collected from questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between vitamin D levels and GDM. Results: The incidence of GDM in the observation group (25(OH)D ≤ 26 ng/ml) was higher than that in the control group (25(OH)D > 26 ng/ml) (p = 0.039). Compared with control group, the observation group had significantly higher level of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (4.7 [4.5–5.0] mmol/L vs. 4.6 [4.4–4.8] mmol/L, p = 0.012). In the whole study, the level of 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with FPG (r = − 0.164，p = 0.010). After adjusting for age, pre‐pregnancy BMI, parity and adverse pregnancy history, compared with the observation group (25 (OH) D ≤ 26 ng/ml), the risk of developing GDM decreased by 50.9% in control group (25(OH)D > 26 ng/ml) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.491, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.243–0.989, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Adequate vitamin D levels during the second trimester of pregnancy may reduce the risk of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of diabetes is closely related to the gut microbiota in recent studies, which can be influenced by intestinal motility. A few studies report that electroacupuncture (EA) can lower blood glucose. EA can promote colonic motility and influence gut microbes. In this study, we explored the effect of the EA on blood glucose level in mice with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its mechanism. Methods: The T2D mice model, fecal microbiota transplantation mice model, and KitW/Wv mice model （Point mutation of mouse W locus encoding kit gene）were used to investigate the effect of EA on blood glucose as well as the mechanism; The blood glucose and insulin resistance level and the intestinal flora were evaluated. The level of intestinal junction protein, inflammatory cytokines in the serum, interstitial cells of Cajal content, and colonic motility were detected. Lastly, the IKKβ/NF‐κB‐JNK‐IRS‐1‐AKT pathway was explored. Results: EA lowered the blood glucose level, altered the gut microbiota, and promoted colonic motility in T2D mice. EA‐altered microbiota decreased the blood glucose level and insulin resistance in the antibiotics‐treated diabetic mice. EA increased tight junction protein, lowered inflammatory factors, and regulated the IKKβ/NF‐κB‐JNK‐IRS‐1‐AKT pathway in the liver and muscles. EA could not reduce the blood glucose and regulated gut microbiota in the KitW/Wv mice model. Conclusions: EA promoted intestinal motility to regulate the intestinal flora, thereby reducing the level of systemic inflammation, and ultimately lowering the blood glucose by the IKKβ/NF‐κB‐JNK‐IRS‐1‐AKT signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies indicated that extensive genetic variations could be generated due to polyploidy, which is considered to be closely associated with the manifestation of polyploid heterosis. Our previous studies confirmed that triploid loquats demonstrated significant heterosis, other than the ploidy effect, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aimed to overcome the narrow genetic distance of loquats, increase the genetic variation level of triploid loquats, and systematically illuminate the heterosis mechanisms of triploid loquats derived from two cross combinations. Here, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were adopted for evaluating the genetic diversity, and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to investigate gene expression as well as pathway changes in the triploids. We found that extensive genetic variations were produced during the formation of triploid loquats. The polymorphism ratios of ISSRs and SSRs were 43.75% and 19.32%, respectively, and almost all their markers had a PIC value higher than 0.5, suggesting that both ISSRs and SSRs could work well in loquat assisted breeding. Furthermore, our results revealed that by broadening the genetic distance between the parents, genetic variations in triploids could be promoted. Additionally, RNA-Seq results suggested that numerous genes differentially expressed between the triploids and parents were screened out. Moreover, KEGG analyses revealed that "photosynthetic efficiency" and "glyco-metabolism" were significantly changed in triploid loquats compared with the parents, which was consistent with the results of physiological indicator analyses, leaf micro-structure observations, and qRT-PCR validation. Collectively, our results suggested that extensive genetic variations occurred in the triploids and that the changes in the "photosynthetic efficiency" as well as "glyco-metabolism" of triploids might have further resulted in heterosis manifestation in the triploid loquats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), accounting for more than 80 percent of all cases of thyroid cancer, is a form of a cancerous tumor that has a very favorable prognosis. However, patients diagnosed with PTC who are already in an advanced state have a dismal outlook. This study aimed to establish the diagnostic relevance of PRR15 expression in PTC patients as well as its levels in PTC samples and its connection with immune infiltrates. The TCGA and GEO datasets were combed through to obtain information on PTC patients. The "Limma" program was used to screen for differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), and the results were displayed using volcano plots and heat maps. The Wilcoxon test was used to examine the level of PRR15 expression in PTC patients in comparison with that of normal tissues. To study the connection between the immune infiltration level and PRR15 expression in PTC, the single-sample sequence set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) from the R package was utilized. The expression of PRR15 was analyzed with RT-PCR in PTC cells and normal cells. In order to evaluate the diagnostic significance of PRR15 expression, ROC assays were carried out. Experiments using CCK-8 were carried out to investigate the impact that PRR15 knockdown could have on the proliferation of PTC cells. In this study, 17 overlapped DEMs between PTC specimens and normal specimens were identified, including MPPED2, IPCEF1, SLC4A4, PKHD1L1, DIO1, CRABP1, TPO, TFF3, SPX, TCEAL2, ZCCHC12, SYTL5, PRR15, CHI3L1, SERPINA1, GABRB2, and CITED1. Our attention focused on PRR15 which was highly expressed in PTC specimens as compared with nontumor specimens. PRR15 had an AUC value of 0.926 (95% CI 0.902–0.950) for PTC based on TCGA datasets. Pan-cancer assays suggested PRR15 as an oncogenic gene in many types of tumors. Moreover, we found that PRR15 expression was positively correlated with eosinophils, NK cells, NK CD56bright cells, IDC, macrophages, DC, mast cells, and Th1 cells. Further investigations with CCK-8 demonstrated that inhibiting PRR15 resulted in a decrease in the proliferation of PTC cells. Overall, PRR15 was confirmed to be a biomarker for PTC patients and a predictor of response to immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study Leap-frog finite element methods for a class of nonlinear Schrödinger equation with damped term. We mainly focus on the optimal convergence estimate without any time-step restrictions. The key of our analysis is the time-space error splitting technique, with which the error is split into two parts: the temporal error and the spatial error. Since the spatial error is τ -independent, the numerical solution in L ∞ -norm is proved to be unconditionally bounded by using an inverse inequality. Then, the optimal L 2 -norm error estimate can be obtained unconditionally by a routine method. In addition, we show that both the continuous and discrete systems can keep mass and energy conservation in recursive forms. Furthermore, we also apply the proposed Leap-frog finite element methods to solve the logarithmic damped Schrödinger model by introducing a regularized system with a small regularization parameter 0 < ε ≪ 1. The detailed theoretical analysis, including the mass, momentum and energy conservation laws of the continuous regularized system and corresponding numerical schemes, and the convergence result, are presented as prolongation of the previous work. Finally, numerical results are given to confirm our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Organic pollutants in water could be efficiently oxidized by phosphates/PMS system. • DMPO OH or DMPOX signals were observed in phosphates/PMS system. • Fluorescent signals representing production of free radicals were almost undetected. • PMS in the phosphate solution was only consumed as organic substrate was present. • DFT calculations supported the non-radical mechanism of phosphates/PMS system. Whilst it is generally recognized that phosphate enables to promote the removal of some organic pollutants with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation, however, there is an ongoing debate as to whether free radicals are involved. By integrating different methodologies, here we provide new insights into the reaction mechanism of the binary mixture of phosphates (i.e., NaH 2 PO 4 , Na 2 HPO 3 , and NaH 2 PO 2) with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) or hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). Enhanced degradation of organic pollutants and observation of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) adducts (i.e. DMPO OH and 5,5-dimethyl-2-oxopyrroline-1-oxyl (DMPOX)) with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in most phosphates/PMS system seemly support a radical-dominant mechanism. However, fluorescence probe experiments confirm that no significant amount of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are produced in such reaction systems. PMS in the phosphate solutions (without any organics) remains relatively stable, but is only consumed while organic substrates are present, which is distinct from a typical radical-dominant Co2+/PMS system where PMS is continuously decomposed. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the energy barriers of the phosphates/PMS reaction processes are greatly decreased when non-radical mechanism dominates. Complementary evidence suggests that the reactive intermediates of PMS-phosphate complex, rather than the free radicals, are capable of oxidizing electron-rich substrates such as DMPO and organic pollutants. Taking the case of phosphate/PMS system as an example, this study demonstrates the necessity of acquisition of lines of evidence for resolving paradoxes in identifying EPR adducts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate therapeutic effect of Bushenhuoxue recipe in intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and explore the underlying molecular mechanism via integrating network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification. The active compounds and gene targets of Bushenhuoxue recipe were screened in the TCMSP database and the IUA-related genes were identified using GeneCards database by the keyword “Intrauterine adhesions”. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of Bushenhuoxue recipe treating IUA. T-HESC cells were inducted to fibrotic state using TGF-β1 of 10 ng/ml concentration treating for 24 h. RT-qPCR or western blot was used to demonstrate the expression levels of fibrosis markers (COL1A1 and α-SMA) and KEGG pathway markers. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay was performed to illustrate the cell viability of endometrial stromal cell. The treatment of Bushenhuoxue recipe could significantly inhibit the proliferation and fibrosis of endometrial stromal cells. We obtained a total of 169 no-repeat ingredients of Bushenhuoxue recipe and 3044 corresponding targets. After taking intersection with 4230 no-repeat IUA-related genes, a total of 83 target genes related to both Bushenhuoxue recipe and IUA were finally identified. KEGG analysis found that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might be the key pathway. Further experiment revealed that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was significantly activated in endometrial stromal cells of fibrotic state and the treatment of Bushenhuoxue recipe could inhibit the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Further rescue assay demonstrated that Bushenhuoxue recipe suppressed the proliferation and fibrosis of endometrial stromal cells via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Bushenhuoxue recipe suppresses the proliferation and fibrosis of endometrial stromal cells via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, eventually inhibiting the progression of IUA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A rare NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene in therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia. • NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene may be caused by topoisomerase-Ⅱ inhibitors. • BCL2 inhibitors may have selective efficacy in patients with NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene. Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is increasingly recognized as a treatment complication in patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunosuppressive agents for primary neoplasms. NUP98::PRRX1 fusion gene, caused by t(1;11)(q23;p15), is a rare recurrent cytogenetic alteration in leukemia, and only seven cases with NUP98::PRRX1 were reported so far. A 53-year-old female patient was diagnosed with t-AML after 20 months of complete remission (CR) from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Conventional karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and DNA/RNA next-generation sequence (NGS) were used to detect genetic abnormalities. Abnormal karyotype of 46, XX, t(1;11)(q25;p15), del(7)(q22) was revealed. NUP98 gene rearrangement and del(7)(q22) were verified by FISH. Further, RNA NGS detected NUP98::PRRX1 fusion transcript, and DNA NGS detected KRAS gene mutation. The patient achieved CR after a combined chemotherapy regimen containing BCL-2 inhibitor and underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but she died of leukemia recurrence 14 months later. Novel targeted drugs may provide opportunities for patients with NUP98::PRRX1 to undergo allo-HSCT. However, since the cases of carrying the NUP98::PRRX1 are limited, more patients with this genetic change need to be investigated to elucidate the prognostic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NPN classification of Boolean functions is a powerful technique used in many practical applications, including logic synthesis, technology mapping, architecture exploration, circuit restructuring, and approximate logic synthesis. Computing the canonical form of a function is the most common approach to NPN classification. Exact classification of practical functions is an open problem because there are difficult functions beyond the capability of the state-of-the-art exact algorithms, which may take several months to compute a canonical form. This article proposes a new approach to exact NPN classification, in which a series of canonical forms and the algorithms to compute them are designed together. As a result, the runtime of the exact classification for difficult functions is effectively controlled by making both representation and computation cost-aware. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can perform exact classification of the worst-case 16-input functions in less than 3 minutes. This indicates that, for the first time, the problem of exact classification can be effectively solved for any Boolean functions with up to 16 inputs arising in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation of research projects to chemical comprehensive experimental for undergraduates is vital to facilitate integration of scientific research and college teaching, which makes great contribution to the cultivation of scientific research and innovation abilities of undergraduates majored in chemistry. This article takes "pyridine-oxazole fluorescent probes" as a specific case to establish a comprehensive chemistry experiment for undergraduates. The experiment considers the following four basic factors including comprehensiveness, systematism, operability, and openness. The comprehensive chemistry experiment established on the basis can stimulate both innovative thinking and innovation consciousness of undergraduates, and realize the goal of systematically cultivating students' experimental abilities and overall quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and forms an essential component of the hydrological, nutrient, and carbon cycles, providing various ecosystem services to the local environment. Since changes in Poyang Lake's water temperature can significantly affect the surrounding environment and social development, continuous monitoring of lake temperature changes is required. Traditional water monitoring methods are resource intensive and cannot simultaneously conduct extensive water monitoring. Remote sensing of temperature inversion has the advantages of all-weather, efficient, and large-scale real-time monitoring. Six Landsat 8 images from August to October in 2020 and 2021 were utilized to extract lake surface temperature (LST), and the variations in LST over the two years were analyzed to determine the impact of global climate anomalies on inland lakes. The results indicate that the LST in August and October 2021 was significantly higher than that in the same periods of the previous year, and the temperature difference in October reached 8 °C. In contrast to the overall normal distribution pattern of the water temperature in 2020, 2021 exhibited a relatively concentrated, unimodal distribution pattern. A trend analysis of the driving factors suggests that the LST of Poyang Lake is influenced by the global climate, and the artificial heat sources around the lake clearly alter the distribution characteristics of the LST simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and intensity of grandparenting have continued to increase in the era of rapid aging. However, little is known about grandparents with different health statuses as primary caregivers and their implications for children's health. A nationally representative cohort of over 8990 Chinese children interviewed from 2010 to 2018 was used. Random effects logit models were constructed to assess the association of the primary caregiver type (grandparents vs. parents) and caregiver health with child health. Subsequently, additive interactions between the primary caregiver type and caregiver health were estimated to determine whether children cared for by grandparents with poor health were the most vulnerable children in terms of health. Deterioration of health status was found among children cared for mainly by grandparents, manifested as a higher likelihood of illness, depressive symptoms and unmet health care needs. However, children looked after by healthy grandparents tended to exhibit better health than their counterparts who were cared for by unhealthy parents. Grandparents as primary caregivers might not have a universally detrimental effect on child health. Thus, interventions to prompt child health could consider grandparents as caregivers, especially healthy grandparents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure and linear optical properties of YAl3(BO3)4 (YAB) crystal are calculated by density functional method with the local-density approximation. An indirect band gap of 6.54 eV and a direct gap of 6.91 eV at M are obtained for YAB. The calculated total and partial densities of states indicate that the top valence band is constructed from O 2p, B 2s, and B 2p states and the low conduction band mostly consists of Y 4d and B 2p states. The calculated linear optical properties, such as refractive index and absorption spectrum, are in good agreement with experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Cobalt-doped g -C 3 N 4 was prepared as a heterogeneous catalyst. • The cobalt species are chemically coordinated with g -C 3 N 4 and atomically distributed on it. • The cobalt species can promote the photogenerated charge separation in g -C 3 N 4. • The cobalt species can enhance the activation efficiency of peroxymonosulfate ions. Abstract Cobalt-mediated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation is an effective way to generate sulfate radicals for the degradation of pollutants. Herein, a heterogeneous Co-based catalyst was prepared by integrating the cobalt species to the cavities of g -C 3 N 4 via the Co N bonds through the methods of impregnation and calcination, which was applied to activate PMS for the degradation of organic contaminates under visible light. The cobalt species were atomically dispersed on g -C 3 N 4 , which could provide more reactive sites for PMS activation. The catalytic efficiency of cobalt-doped g -C 3 N 4 was greater than that of pure g -C 3 N 4 or even slightly higher than that of the homogeneous cobalt ions during the photo-assisted PMS activation catalytic processes. The optimum Co loading is 1.0% in weight. In 25 min, the dye of rhodamine B was almost completely degraded with a 70.5% of total organic carbon (TOC) removal under its natural pH value in the presence of such catalytic system. The enhanced catalytic activity of Co-doped g -C 3 N 4 was due to the effective separation of the photo-generated charges as well as the sufficient accessible reactive sites for PMS activation. And the synergistic interaction between the photocatalytic and PMS activation processes facilitated the generation of active species for the removal of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Express freight transportation is a rich seam of profit for China railway, and railway express freight system is a complex system with multiple variables and nonlinear feedback loops. This paper presents a System Dynamic Model for simulating the interaction between demand and supply of railway express freight system in China. The model consists of three submodels including economic environment, demand, supply, and investment, and its validity is verified by running in Vensim DDS software using historical data. In the simulation of period 2000–2025, the three variables are taken as control variables including growth rate of the national economy, railway express freight rate, and investment in fixed railway assets. Three scenarios for each control variable are simulated, and their effects are analyzed to provide beneficial reference for regulating the demand-supply gap of railway express freight. The simulation demonstrated that raising freight rate, adding investment in fixed railway assets, and decelerating economic growth rate are all effective ways to shrink the demand-supply gap of railway express freight. The model can be used to forecast the transport demand of railway express freight and test the outcomes of demand-supply regulating measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of toxic Cr(VI) with waste biomass via adsorption is considered an eco-friendly technology for remediation of chromium-polluted water. However, the roles of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from waste biomass are often neglected in the overall Cr(VI) depletion. In this study, the utilization of plant leaves (PLs), eco-friendly waste biomass resources, is investigated for Cr(VI) reduction. The abiotic reduction rates of Cr(VI) by 10 types of PLs in aqueous (25 °C) and frozen (−20 °C) solutions are compared. The higher efficiencies (18.3%–54.0%) of Cr(VI) depletion are achieved with most PLs at −20 °C under acidic conditions. The freeze-enhanced Cr(VI) reduction with PLs is also demonstrated in practical Cr(VI)-polluted industrial wastewater. Interestingly, unlike previous chemically modified leaves, almost no Cr(VI)/Cr(III) species is adsorbed on these original PLs surface. It is found that Cr(VI) reduction rate is determined by both the concentration and component of DOM. D-(−)-quinic acid from Neolitsea sericea (Bl.) Koidz and lignin/carboxyl-rich acyclic molecules (CRAM) are identified as the main components responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. It may provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology for ex-situ phytoremediation of Cr(VI)-polluted waters, especially in cold regions/season. [Display omitted] • Plant litters can be used for phytoremediation of Cr(VI)-polluted waters by freezing. • Increasing acidity favors Cr(VI) reduction with different plant litters. • Levels and composition of dissolved organic matter determine Cr(VI) reduction rates. • The specific organic components for Cr(VI) reduction are identified by FTICR-MS. • The performance for real electro-plating wastewater is verified by this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutralization treatment of acid mine drainage involves the oxidation of Fe(II), but little is known about the effects of co-existing minerals on the oxidation and hydrolysis of Fe(II) to iron oxides. Here we investigated the transformation of fresh and heated Fe(II) oxidation coprecipitates, which were synthesized in the presence and the absence of five co-existing minerals (montmorillonite, kaolin, quartz (SiO 2) , aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3) and calcium carbonate (CaCO 3)). In the FeSO 4 system with montmorillonite or kaolin, the formation of lepidocrocite was inhibited with the increase of clay mineral contents. In the same system, heated coprecipitates of montmorillonite were mainly comprised of amorphous ferrihydrite and its transformation was retarded by the excess montmorillonite. In the FeCl 2 system with SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 or CaCO 3 , akaganeite formation was inhibited with the increase in the corresponding mineral contents. In the same system, goethite formation was blocked by either CaCO 3 or Al 2 O 3 and the growth of lepidocrocite was inhibited by CaCO 3 or SiO 2. However, magnetite formation was enhanced by addition of CaCO 3. These findings are important for predicting products of abiotic Fe(II) oxidation during the neutralization of acid mine drainage and for better understanding the transformation of amorphous iron oxides in the complicated environmental matrix. [Display omitted] • Formation of lepidocrocite was inhibited in FeSO 4 /clay systems. • Formation of akaganeite was inhibited in FeCl 2 /SiO 2 (or Al 2 O 3 , CaCO 3) systems. • Formation of goethite was inhibited in FeCl 2 /Al 2 O 3 (or CaCO 3) systems. • Formation of magnetite was enhanced in FeCl 2 /CaCO 3 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A gram-scale stereoselective synthesis of next generation of Trk Inhibitor LOXO-195 is reported. Starting from two commercially available and cheap building blocks, LOXO-195 is prepared via 9 steps in 26% overall yield with excellent enantioselectivity (ee > 99%). The new synthesis reported herein features a development of an efficient Csp2-Csp3 suzuki coupling from key intermediates 19 and 16 , which allows to make LOXO-195 in a more convergent fashion compared to the reported synthetic route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field measurement of large objects is important in many fields of study. In this paper, an effective field measurement method for large objects based on a multi-view stereo vision system is proposed. First, to reconstruct the dimensional features of large objects, partially saturated laser stripes are projected onto the surfaces of large objects, and a light stripe model of saturated laser stripes is proposed to extract the feature points of the stripes. Then, a flexible laser-aided pattern is designed, and a high-precision feature extraction method based on a region-of-interest (ROI) is developed, by which the local dimensions of large objects acquired from different views can be transformed into the same coordinate system to complete the measurement of the object's overall dimensions. Experiments are performed both in a laboratory and a forging workshop; the laboratory experiments validate that measurements can be completed with only a small overlapping region (25%) in a field of 8.6 m × 5.0 m with a precision of up to 0.10% using the method proposed in this paper. The experiments in the forging workshop show that the method is effective at measuring the height of a large hot forging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a non-abelian group and N(G) be the set of conjugacy class sizes of G. In 1980s, Thompson posed the following conjecture: if M is a finite non-abelian simple group, G is a finite group with Z(G) = 1 and N(G) = N(M), then M ≅ G. Here, we prove Thompson's conjecture holds for all almost sporadic simple groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fuel moisture content (FMC) is an important variable for predicting the occurrence and spread of wildfire. Because FMC is calculated from the ratio of canopy water content to dry-matter content, we hypothesized that FMC may be estimated by remote sensing with a ratio of a vegetation water index to a vegetation dry-matter index. Four vegetation water indices, six dry-matter indices, and the resulting water/dry-matter index ratios were calculated using simulated leaf reflectances from the PROSPECT model. Two water indices, the Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), were more correlated with leaf water content than with FMC, and were not correlated with leaf dry-matter content. Two dry-matter indices, the Normalized Dry Matter Index (NDMI) and a recent index (unnamed) were correlated to leaf dry matter content, were inversely correlated with FMC, and were not correlated with water content. Ratios of these water indices and these dry-matter indices were highly and consistently correlated with FMC. Ratios of other water indices with other dry-matter indices were not consistently correlated with FMC. The ratio of NDII with NDMI was strongly related to FMC by a quadratic polynomial equation with an R 2 of 0.947. Spectral reflectance data were acquired for single leaves and leaf stacks of Quercus alba, Acer rubrum, and Zea mays; the relationship between FMC and NDII/NDMI had an R 2 of 0.853 and was almost identical to the equation from the PROSPECT model simulations. For the SAIL model simulations, the relationship between NDII/NDMI and FMC at the canopy scale had an R 2 of 0.900, but the quadratic polynomial equation differed from the equations determined from the PROSPECT simulations and spectral reflectance data. NDMI requires narrow-band sensors to measure the effect of dry matter on reflectance at 1722nm whereas NDII may be determined with many different sensors. Therefore, monitoring FMC with NDII/NDMI requires either a new sensor or a combination of two sensors, one with high temporal resolution for monitoring water content and one with high spectral resolution for estimating dry-matter content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Efficient and accurate detection of the temporal dynamics and spatial variations of leaf dry matter content would help monitor key properties and processes in vegetation and the wider ecosystem. However, leaf water content strongly absorbs at shortwave infrared wavelengths, reducing the signal from dry matter. The major objective of this study was to examine relationship between spectral reflectance of fresh leaves and the ratio of leaf dry mass to leaf area, across a wide range of species at the leaf scale. A narrow-band, normalized index combining two distinct wavebands centred at 1649 and 1722 nm achieved the highest overall performance and discriminatory power compared to either single band or first derivatives. The normalized index was evaluated using the PROSPECT (leaf optical properties spectra) simulated reflectance spectra and field measurements from the Leaf Optical Properties Experiment (LOPEX) data set. Both evaluations show that leaf dry matter contents were retrievable with R 2 of 0.845 and 0.681 and regression slopes of 0.903 and 0.886. This study suggests that spectral reflectance measurements hold promise for the assessment of dry matter content for green leaves. Further investigation needs to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this normalized index at canopy scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic structure and linear optical property of BaSi2N2O2 (BSNO) have been calculated by density functional method with the local density approximation. A direct band gap of 5.17eV at G is obtained for BSNO. The calculated total and partial densities of states indicate that the top valence band is mainly constructed from the N 2p and O 2p states, the low conduction band mostly originates from Ba 4d and Si 3p states. The calculated linear optical property of BSNO is in good agreement with the experimental measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For a non-abelian group G, we associate the non-commuting graph ∇ (G) whose vertex set is G\Z(G) with two vertices x and y joined by an edge whenever the commutator of x and y is not the identity. In this paper, we prove that Aut(J2) and Aut(McL) are characterized by their non-commuting graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Canopy foliar biomass, defined as the product of leaf dry matter content and leaf area index, is an important measurement for global biogeochemical cycles. This study explores the potential for retrieving foliar biomass in green canopies using a spectral index, the Normalized Dry Matter Index (NDMI). This narrow-band index is based on absorption at the C–H bond stretch overtone and is correlated with leaf dry matter content in fresh green leaves. PROSPECT and SAIL model simulations suggest that the NDMI at the canopy scale is able to minimize the effects of leaf thickness and leaf water content and to maximize sensitivity to variation in canopy foliar biomass. The simulation outputs were analyzed with an ANOVA, and 87% of the variation in the NDMI is explained by leaf dry matter content. The NDMI was linearly related to foliar biomass (g cm−2) from model simulations (R 2 =0.97). The NDMI calculated from spectral reflectances for one to four stacked leaves was also correlated with total leaf biomass (R 2 =0.59). These results suggest that it may be possible to determine foliar biomass from airborne and satellite-borne imaging spectrometers, such as NASA''s HyspIRI mission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Let G be a finite group, and let π e( G) be the spectrum of G, that is, the set of all element orders of G. In 1987, Shi Wujie put forward the following conjecture. If G is a finite group and M is a non-abelian simple group, then G ≅ M if and only if | G| = | M| and π e( G) = π e( M). In this short paper, we prove that if G is a finite group, then G ≅ M if and only if | G| = | M| and π e( G) = π e( M), where M = D n(2) and n is even. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of soil moisture and leaf water content on canopy reflectance of MODIS shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands 5, 6, and 7 and water-related indices are studied quantitatively using the coupled soil-leaf-canopy reflectance model. Canopy spectra simulations under various input conditions show that soil moisture has a large effect on each SWIR reflectance at low leaf area index (LAI) values, among which band 5 is the most sensitive to soil moisture variations, while band 7 responds strongest to dry soil conditions. Band 5 is also better suited to measure leaf water content change, since it obtains a higher variation when leaf water content changes from dry to wet. In general, each SWIR band responds to soil moisture and leaf water content differently. By using the normalized calculation between the water absorption-sensitive band and insensitive band, the Normalized Difference Water Index shows the most capability to remove the soil background effect and enhance the sensitivity to leaf water content. These two moisture variables may be separated by combining multiple rather than one SWIR band with a near-infrared band considering that each SWIR band has a different response to soil moisture and leaf water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electronic structures of SrB4O7 and SrB4O7:Eu have been calculated by density functional method with the local density approximation. The respective contributions of cations and anionic groups to the band structures are evaluated. An indirect band gap of 9.71 eV and a direct gap of 11.18 eV at U are obtained for SrB4O7. The calculated total and partial densities of states indicate that the top valence band of SrB4O7 is mainly constructed from the O-2p state, and the low conduction band mostly originates from B-2p and Sr-4d states. From the calculation, we find that the host absorption of SrB4O7 in VUV region is from both the BO4 group and Sr–O charge transfer transition. With the doping of Eu3+, the energy band of SrB4O7 moves downwards and new energy levels appear in the band gap, which is consistent with the experimental band models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Design of advanced alloys with simple compositions is a new strategy to improve the recyclability of the alloys. In this study, a 2 wt% Nb bearing low carbon steel (2Nb steel) without addition of Ni, Cr and W was designed and processed by hot forging. The as-hot-forged steel shows a fine grain size microstructure with NbC precipitates formed. Microstructure and tensile properties were characterized at ambient and elevated temperatures. The yield stress and ultimate tensile stress of the as-forged 2Nb steel are 339 MPa and 498 MPa at room temperature, 297 MPa and 430 MPa at 600 °C, respectively. The good high temperature strength was related to the pinning effect of large NbC precipitates present at the grain boundaries and small precipitates formed in the grain interior that hinder the movement of grain boundaries and dislocations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study focuses on investigating the ability of selected satellite-derived indices, the normalized multi-band drought index (NMDI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and the normalized burn ratio (NBR), for detecting forest fires burning in southern Georgia, USA and southern Greece in 2007. Index performance is evaluated using MODIS fire products. Satellite images generated from each index are compared with the active fire map provided by the MODIS rapid response team. Performance measures extracted from the statistical analyses using the confusion matrices are used to verify the capacity of the indices for active fire detection. For each test case, NMDI has strong signals corresponding to active fires and pinpoints the active fire spots accurately. Both, performance evaluations by image comparison and statistical analyses, indicate that active fire detection using NMDI is quite accurate. NMDI reveals the highest overall performance and discrimination power compared to NDWI and NBR. The successful application of NMDI for detecting fires in different areas proves that NMDI is not site-specific and is expected to be applicable to different areas for active fire detection. Such a capacity can help monitor large-scale fire hazards and is therefore useful to carry out regional and global studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simultaneous conversion of most harmful As(III) and Cr(VI) to their less toxic counterparts is environmentally desirable and cost-effective. It has been confirmed that simultaneous oxidation of As(III) to As(V) and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) can occur via free radical or mediated electron transfer processes. While Cr(VI) is reduced by reacting with H•, e aq −, photoelectron directly or undergoing ligand exchange with H 2 O 2 and SO 3 2−, As(III) is oxidized by HO•, SO 4 •−, O 2 •−, and holes (h+) in free radical process. The ability to concentrate Cr and As species on heterogeneous interface and conductivity determining the co-conversion efficiency in mediated electron transfer process. Acidity has positive effect on these co-conversion, while mediated electron transfer process is not much affected by dissolved oxygen (O 2). Organic compounds (e.g., oxalate, citrate and phenol) commonly favor Cr(VI) reduction and inhibit As(III) oxidation. To better understand the trends in the existing data and to identify the knowledge gaps, this review elaborates the complicated mechanisms for co-conversion of As(III) and Cr(VI) by various methods. Some challenges and prospects in this active field are also briefly discussed. [Display omitted] • Various methods for the co-conversion of As(III) and Cr(VI) are reviewed. • The mechanisms of free radical and non-free radical process are identified. • The prerequisites for realizing this co-conversion are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aberrant alterations of rearranged during transfection (RET) have been identified as actionable drivers of multiple cancers, including thyroid carcinoma and lung cancer. Currently, several approved multikinase inhibitors such as vandetanib and cabozantinib demonstrate clinical activity in patients with RET-rearranged or RET-mutant cancers. However, the observed response rates are only modest and the 'off-target' toxicities resulted from the inhibition of other kinases is also a concern. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of RET inhibitors based on the structure of selective RET inhibitor BLU-667 and investigated their biological activities. We identified compound 9 as a novel potent and selective RET inhibitor with improved drug-like properties. Compound 9 exhibits a selective inhibitory profile with an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC 50) of 1.29 nM for RET and 1.97 (RET V804M) or 0.99 (RET M918T) for mutant RETs. The proliferation of Ba/F3 cells transformed with NSCLC related KIF5B-RET fusion was effectively suppressed by compound 9 (IC 50 = 19 nM). Additionally, compound 9 displayed less 'off-target' effects than BLU-667. In mouse xenograft models, compound 9 repressed tumor growth driven by KIF5B-RET-Ba/F3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Based on its exceptional kinase selectivity, good potency and high exposure in tumor tissues, compound 9 represents a promising lead for the discovery of RET directed therapeutic agents and the study of RET-driven tumor biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G be a nonabelian group and associate a noncommuting graph ∇(G) with G as follows: The vertex set of ∇(G) is G\Z(G) with two vertices x and y joined by an edge whenever the commutator of x and y is not the identity. In 1987, Professor J. G. Thompson gave the following conjecture. Thompson's Conjecture. If G is a finite group with Z(G) = 1 and M is a nonabelian simple group satisfying N(G) = N(M), then G ≅ M, where N(G):={n ∈  | G has a conjugacy class of size n}. In 2006, A. Abdollahi, S. Akbari, and H. R. Maimani put forward a conjecture (AAM's conjecture) in Abdollahi et al. (2006) as follows. AAM's Conjecture. Let M be a finite nonabelian simple group and G a group such that ∇(G) ≅ ∇ (M). Then G ≅ M. In this short article we prove that if G is a finite group with ∇(G) ≅ ∇ (A10), then G ≅ A10, where A10 is the alternating group of degree 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The luminescent properties of CaYBO4:Ln(Ln=Eu3+, Tb3+) were investigated under ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region. The CT band of Eu3+ at about 245nm blue-shifted to 230nm in VUV excitation spectrum; the band with the maximum at 183nm was considered as the host lattice absorption. For the sample of CaYBO4:0.08Tb3+, the bands at about 235 and 263nm were assigned to the f–d transitions of Tb3+ and the CT band of Tb3+ was calculated according to Jφrgensen''s theory. Under UV and VUV excitation, the main emission of Eu3+ corresponding to the 5D0–7F2 transition located at about 610nm and two intense emission of Tb3+ from the 5D4–7F5 transition had been observed at about 542 and 552nm, respectively. With the incorporation of Gd3+ into the host lattice of CaYBO4, the luminescence of Tb3+ was enhanced while that of Eu3+ was decreased because of their different excitation mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Let G be a non-abelian group and associate a non-commuting graph ∇( G) with G as follows: the vertex set of ∇( G) is G\ Z( G) with two vertices x and y joined by an edge whenever the commutator of x and y is not the identity. In this short paper we prove that if G is a finite group with ∇( G) ≅ ∇( M), where M = L 2( q) ( q = p n , p is a prime), then G ≅ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The single phases of Y0.95− x M x BO3:5%Eu3+ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Al, 0≤ x ≤0.1) were synthesized successfully by solid-state reaction. Their luminescent properties were studied under UV and VUV excitation. The results indicated that with the incorporation of Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Zn2+ or Al3+ into the host lattice of YBO3:Eu3+, the high symmetry around Eu3+ was destroyed and the ratio of red emission(5D0–7F2) to orange one (5D0–7F1) increased, leading to a better chromaticity. Furthermore, the co-doping ions such as Ca2+, Zn2+ and Al3+ were beneficial to enhance the luminescent intensity of Eu3+. These phenomena were evaluated, and possible explanations were proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The methods for the determination of persulfate are systematically reviewed. • The advantages and limitations of each method in practice are analyzed. • Fluorescence method is suitable for measuring PMS in colored samples. • UV–vis spectrophotometry can be chosen for colorless samples. • Titration is the most recommended method if no lab equipments are available. Persulfate (peroxymonosulfate or peroxydisulfate) ions, as strong oxidants, have a broad application in the field of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for oxidative degradation of organic pollutants in soil and contaminated water. Persulfate concentration is an important operational parameter in persulfate degradation of organic pollutants based on SO 4 •−-AOPs. At present, the analytical methods used for quantification of persulfate mainly include traditional titration, polarography, electrochemiluminescence, electrochemical methods, spectrometry and chromatography. These methods vary in their limit of detection (LOD), execution time, operational difficulty, accuracy and sensitivity. The traditional methods are cheap and easy to operate, but the poor sensitivity and the high LOD limit its application. Electrochemiluminescence methods are highly sensitive with low detection limit, but requires rather specialized instruments. Electrochemical methods are repaid and have high sensitivity, low LOD and wide detection range, but relatively large reagent volume is needed in the determination process. Spectrophotometry has high accuracy with low consumption rate of sample and reagents, but it is susceptible to colored substances. Ion chromatography has the advantages of high sensitivity, less reagent consumption and simultaneous detection of multiple ions, but no advantage in detection time and LOD. This review presents the principles, merits and demerits of various existing analytical methods for persulfate determination, and discusses the limitations and applicability of various methods. This review is expected to provide some references for the establishment of novel detection methods for persulfate in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of reactive radical species using quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests has attracted extensive attention, but some mistakes or misinterpretations are often present in recent literature. This review aims to clarify the corresponding issues through surveying literature, including the uncertainty about the identity of radicals in the bulk solution or adsorbed on the catalyst surface in quenching tests, selection of proper scavengers, data explanation for incomplete inhibition, the inconsistent results between quenching and EPR tests (e.g., SO 4 •− is predominant in quenching test while the signal of •OH predominates in EPR test), and the incorrect identification of EPR signals (e.g., SO 4 •− is identified by indiscernible or incorrect signals). In addition, this review outlines the transformation of radicals for better tracing the origin of radicals. It is anticipated that this review can help in avoiding mistakes while investigating catalytic oxidative mechanism with quenching and EPR tests. ga1 • The determination methods for detecting reactive radical species are summarized. • The uncertainty about the identity of radicals in quenching tests is proposed. • The misinterpretations over the radical identification in EPR tests are reviewed. • The transformation and interconversion of radicals are concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]