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This paper investigates the design problem of an electric bus (E-bus) route with charging stations to smooth the operations between E-bus service and charging. The design variables include the locations of E-bus stops, number of charging piles at charging stations, fare, and headway. A mathematical programming model is proposed to maximize social welfare in consideration of the uncertain charging demand at charging stations. The model solution algorithm is also designed. The model and algorithm are demonstrated on the E-bus route 931 in the city of Suzhou, China. The results of the case studies show that (i) the right number of stops on a bus route can contribute to the highest social welfare; (ii) the pile–bus ratio decreases with the increase of E-bus fleet size, thereby improving the E-bus charging efficiency at charging stations; and (iii) deploying charging stations at one end of a bus route can achieve a shorter waiting time for E-bus compared with deployment at two ends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, a new Mn(II)-based coordination polymer, {(NH2Me)2[Mn4(Hntb)4(4,4′-bpy)(OH)2] DMF} (1) have been formed by mixing the ligands of H3ntb (4,4′,4′′-nitrilotris-benzoic) and 4,4′-bpy (4,4′-bipyridine). According to the results of UV detection, complex 1 has strong blue luminescence, which means that it can be used as a fluorescent probe for specific detection of Fe3+ ion in water with a Ksv value of 3.2 × 104 M−1. Furthermore, the treatment activity of the compound on sepsis treatment was assessed and the protentional mechanism was revealed. Firstly, the inflammatory cytokines released into the plasma was measured with ELISA detection kit. Then, the survival rate of the infected animals was recorded after compound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Water management is a critical issue to be solved efficiently for an air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The cell performance decreases sharply once the water flooding occurs. In this paper, a novel strategy of water removal is proposed by incorporating a functional self-made expanded metal mesh, which can be used as the cathode flow field in a DMFC. Experiments show that water can be directly discharged in the form of water film or water line from the water outlet to the bottom underneath the expanded mesh. The water management can be further improved by using absorbent cottons, suitable feed rates and an upright texture direction of the metal mesh. Results also show that only a few mesh openings are blocked by water when the tested device tilts from 60° to 120°. In a real DMFC, the expanded mesh displays an excellent ability in water removal compared to the traditional perforated flow fields. The cathode water only gathers at the bottom and covers very few mesh openings. This new method helps efficiently avoid the issue of water flooding at the cathode using the expanded mesh. Highlights • Forced under-rib water removal by using metal mesh is proposed and validated. • Evolvement process of water passage is visually observed. • Improved methods for water management are investigated. • Generated water only gathers at the bottom and covers just a few mesh openings. • The issue of water flooding at the cathode is efficiently avoided in a real DMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents normal time-frequency transform (NTFT) application in harmonic/quasi-harmonic signal prediction. Particularly, we use the normal wavelet transform (a special NTFT) to make long-term polar motion prediction. Instantaneous frequency, phase and amplitude of Chandler wobble, prograde and retrograde annual wobbles of Earth's polar motion are analyzed via the NTFT. Results show that the three main wobbles can be treated as quasi-harmonic processes. Current instantaneous harmonic information of the three wobbles can be acquired by the NTFT that has a kernel function constructed with a normal half-window function. Based on this information, we make the polar motion predictions with lead times of 1 year and 5 years. Results show that our prediction skills are very good with long lead time. An abnormality in the predictions occurs during the second half of 2005 and first half of 2006. Finally, we provide the future (starting from 2013) polar motion predictions with 1- and 5-year leads. These predictions will be used to verify the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Graphene nano-sheets (GNs) with high quality were successfully synthesized in a Teflon-lined container through a low temperature expansion process. The influence factors of expansion temperature, expansion mode and reduction time on the morphology and structure of products have been systematically investigated, and an optimum experimental condition for the synthesis of GNs has been obtained. The results showed that the Teflon-lined container is an effective apparatus for preparing GNs at relative low temperature (<300°C). The low temperature synthetic process is simple, inexpensive and easy to scale up in comparison with the traditional method which often consume more energy, use more complicated instruments, or more costly. The electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized products were investigated as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In response to biotic and abiotic stresses, the WRKY gene family plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. This study focused on Phoebe bournei and involved genome-wide identification of WRKY gene family members, clarification of their molecular evolutionary characteristics, and comprehensive mapping of their expression profiles under diverse abiotic stress conditions. A total of 60 WRKY gene family members were identified, and their phylogenetic classification revealed three distinct groups. A conserved motif analysis underscored the significant conservation of motif 1 and motif 2 among the majority of PbWRKY proteins, with proteins within the same class sharing analogous gene structures. Furthermore, an examination of cis-acting elements and protein interaction networks revealed several genes implicated in abiotic stress responses in P. bournei. Transcriptomic data were utilized to analyze the expression patterns of WRKY family members under drought and waterlogged conditions, with subsequent validation by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) experiments. Notably, PbWRKY55 exhibited significant expression modulation under drought stress; PbWRKY36 responded prominently to waterlogging stress; and PbWRKY18, PbWRKY38, and PbWRKY57 demonstrated altered expression under both drought and waterlogging stresses. This study revealed the PbWRKY candidate genes that potentially play a pivotal role in enhancing abiotic stress resilience in P. bournei. The findings have provided valuable insights and knowledge that can guide further research aimed at understanding and addressing the impacts of abiotic stress within this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of the produced carbon dioxide (CO 2) is important to improve the performance of a liquid-feed direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). This work investigates the CO 2 bubble behaviors and the two-phase flow characteristics, using a single sinusoidal corrugated channel as the anode flow field. The magnitude and gradient of the fluid velocity in this channel is higher than the traditional straight pattern, as proven by tracking CO 2 bubbles. The use of high magnitude and gradient of velocity enhances CO 2 emission and fuel delivery, as well as increases the pressure drop. The vortices in the disturbance structure of the corrugated channel help uniformly deliver the reactants and separate bubbles away from the channel wall. Using excessive values of amplitude A and angular frequency W in the corrugated channel causes serious bubble deformation and extra energy consumption. The effect of disturbance structure is negligible with small values of these two parameters. The cell with a corrugated channel shows a higher performance at different feed rates and concentrations of the methanol fuel. The optimal value of A and W are respectively 0.1and 5. The visualization tests demonstrate that the appearance of CO 2 bubbles in the corrugated channel is consistent with the simulation results. • A single-serpentine sinusoidal corrugated channel is used as the anode flow field. • Bubble behaviors are investigated by both simulation and visualization test. • The effects of two-phase flow characteristics on cell performance are studied. • The optimal parameters of amplitude A and angular frequency W are obtained. • The new flow field is preferred due to its functions in two-phase flow regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of two different fixation techniques for anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction.Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken between 2012 and 2018 of 60 cases of patellar dislocation who underwent surgical reconstruction between 2007 and 2010: 30 patients were treated with modified semi-tunnel bone bridge fixation (group A) and 30 patients with suture anchor fixation (group B). All patients had computed tomography scans available to review the patellar tilt angle and lateral patellar angle (LPA). In addition, a physical examination was performed, and the patellar apprehension sign and patellar stability were evaluated. Knee function was also evaluated using the Kujala score and Lysholm score.Results: At a minimum 5-year follow-up, the patellar tilt angle and LPA were restored to the normal range, and a significant difference was observed between the groups. There was a significant improvement in knee function in the Kujala and Lysholm scores after surgery in both groups. At the final follow-up, the mean Kujala and Lysholm scores in groups A and B were significantly different.Conclusion: Both the semi-tunnel bone bridge and suture anchor fixation for double-bundle anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL can effectively restore patellar stability and improve knee function. The semi-tunnel bone bridge technique achieved statistically better knee function than the suture anchor technique at a minimum 5-year follow-up.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chandler wobble (CW) and annual wobble (AW) are the two main components of polar motion, which are difficult to separate because of their very close periods. In the light of Fourier dictionary and basis pursuit method, a Fourier basis pursuit (FBP) spectrum is developed, which can reduce spectral smearing and leakage caused by the finite length of the time series. Further, a band-pass filtering method based on FBP spectrum (FBPBPF), which can effectively suppress the edge effect, is proposed in this paper. The simulation test results show that the FBPBPF method can effectively suppress the edge effect caused by spectral smearing and leakage and that its reconstruction accuracy at the boundary is approximately three times higher than the Fourier transform band-pass filtering method, which is based on Hamming windowed FFT spectrum, in extracting quasi-harmonic signals. The FBPBPF method is then applied to Earth's polar motion data during 1900-2015. Through analyzing the amplitude and period variations of CW and AW, and calculating the eccentricity variation of the AW, we found that: (1) the amplitude of the CW is currently at a historic minimum level, and it is even possible to diminish further until a complete stop; and (2) the eccentricity of the AW has a gradually decreased fluctuation during the last 116 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. To identify novel clinical phenotypic signatures of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI). Methods. A Chinese family with CNDI was recruited for participation in this study. The proband and one of his uncles suffered from polydipsia and polyuria since infancy. The results of clinical testing indicated the diagnosis of CNDI. 10 family members had similar symptoms but did not seek medical advice. Genetic testing of mutations in the coding region of the aquaporin 2 (AQP2) gene and the arginine vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2) gene were carried out in 11 family members. Somatic DNA from 5 female family members was used to test for methylation of polymorphic CAG repeats in the human androgen receptor (AR) gene, as an index for X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP). Results. AQP2 gene mutations were not found in any family members, but a novel missense mutation (814th base A>G) in exon 2 of the AVPR2 gene was identified in 10 individuals. This mutation leads to a Met 272 Val (GAT-GGT) amino acid substitution. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation patterns of the normal X allele were observed in 4 females with the AVPR2 gene mutation and symptoms of diabetes insipidus, but not in an asymptomatic female with the AVPR2 gene mutation. Conclusions. Met 272 Val mutation of the AVPR2 gene was identified as a novel genetic risk factor for CDNI. The clinical NDI phenotype of female carriers with heterozygous AVPR2 mutation may be caused by X-chromosome inactivation induced by dominant methylation of the normal allele of AVPR2 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As an autoimmune central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination, neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has been extensively investigated. A specific antigenic target, astrocytic water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) has already been identified, and it can be recognized explicitly by the autoantibody marker NMO-IgG. Along with the immune attacks, clinical disabilities would gradually accumulate. As there has been no validated and well-recognized therapy for NMO till now, preventing and postponing attack using immunosuppressive therapies is the primary treatment option. Methods: In the current retrospective study, the effect of immunosuppressive agents was investigated through a long-term follow-up. To assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of rituximab (RTX), azathioprine (AZA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapies, all 129 patients with NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD) who received at least one of these treatments were studied, including 55 seropositive for AQP4-Ab and 74 seronegative for AQP4-Ab. Results: The median post-treatment annualized relapse rate (ARR) was lower than the pre-treatment rates in all AQP4+Ab groups (from 1.0 to 0.7 in RTX, from 0.8 to 0.3 in AZA, and from 0.85 to 0.35 in MMF). Meanwhile, the ARR also decreased in all AQP4−Ab groups (from 0.3 to 0.2 in RTX, from 0.9 to 0.5 in AZA, and from 0.9 to 0.4 in MMF). Disability condition improved in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in all AQP4+Ab groups (from 4.0 to 2.75 in RTX, from 3.5 to 2.5 in AZA, and from 3.0 to 2.0 in MMF) and in all AQP4−Ab groups (from 3.0 to 2.5 in RTX, from 3.0 to 2.5 in AZA, and from 3.5 to 2.0 in MMF). There was no statistically significant difference between the post-treatment and pre-treatment changes of EDSS and ARR in the RTX, AZA, and MMF groups (P > 0.05). However, according to Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, RTX-treated patients were more likely to be relapse-free after long-term follow-up than those who received AZA or MMF therapy. Meanwhile, adverse effects were noted in three out of 23 patients with RTX treatment, five of 32 with AZA treatment, and three of 21 with MMF treatment. No serious adverse events were observed in all treatment groups during the study. Conclusions: RTX, AZA, and MMF therapies efficiently lowered the relapse frequency and disability in both of the AQP4-Ab seropositive or seronegative patients with NMO. Furthermore, low dosage of RTX is recommended for the patients with NMO owing to its long-term effectiveness and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BAFF-Trap is a novel fusion protein that contains the BAFF-binding domains of two BAFF receptors (TACI and BAFF-R), specifically neutralizes BAFF in vitro and vivo. • BAFF-Trap not only shows good therapeutic effects in arthritis mouse models, but also can treat SLE model mice. • BAFF-Trap reduce the content of B cells by neutralizing BAFF , while also regulating other immune cells, such as mDC, pDC, monocyte and macrophage, etc., thereby affecting the progression of SLE. Abnormal B cells, which produce antibodies against self-antigens, play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is closely associated with abnormal B cells and participates in B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases; thus, neutralizing BAFF is an effective method for treating these diseases. Our group designed a novel fusion protein, BAFF-Trap, that contains the BAFF-binding domains of two BAFF receptors (TACI and BAFF-R) and the Fc domain of human IgG1. In this study, we showed that BAFF-Trap significantly decreased the autoantibody levels, BAFF concentrations and B cells numbers in MRL/lpr mice. BAFF-Trap suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the kidney and decreased the frequencies of T cell subsets and dendritic cells. Furthermore, BAFF-Trap reduced proteinuria and IgG deposition, relieved glomerular damage in the kidney, and markedly improved the survival rate of mice. These results indicated that BAFF-Trap may be a potential drug for the treatment of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has been recognized as a low-grade, chronic inflammatory disease that leads to an increase in obesity-associated disorders, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), fatty liver diseases and cancer. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an effective drug for T2D, and it not only has glucose-regulating effects but also has anti-inflammatory effects in obesity. In our previous study, we designed a novel GLP-1 analogue, (E X -4) 2 -Fc, which has been shown to reduce body weight and improve glucose tolerance in vivo. In this study, we observed that (E X -4) 2 -Fc also has anti-inflammatory functions in adipose tissue. After the treatment of diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice with (E X -4) 2 -Fc, we found that the inflammatory response in adipose tissue was significantly attenuated. (Ex-4) 2 -Fc can reduce obesity-associated proinflammatory cytokine levels and macrophage numbers in DIO mice. In addition, (E X -4) 2 -Fc treatment resulted in proinflammatory M1-type macrophages beginning to transform into anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages. The inflammatory mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were altered in adipose tissue after (E X -4) 2 -Fc treatment. Leptin has been proven to be closely related to immunity, and we demonstrated that the effect of (E X -4) 2 -Fc on adipocyte inflammation was related to leptin. The data suggested that (E X -4) 2 -Fc could modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the expression of leptin in adipose tissue. F0B7 (Ex-4) 2 -Fc could profoundly ameliorate obesity-induced inflammation in the adipose tissues of the DIO mice. F0B7 (Ex-4) 2 -Fc promotes the polarization of M2 macrophages in adipose tissue. F0B7 (Ex-4) 2 -Fc modulates the MAPK and NF-κB signalling pathways in adipose tissue. F0B7 (E X -4) 2 -Fc suppresses obesity-related inflammation by inhibiting leptin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schwannoma is a relatively uncommon benign tumour of the soft tissues. We present a rare case of 10 tumours localised to the ulnar nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bubble-derived concept for contour regeneration of flow channel is developed to address the issues of carbon dioxide (CO 2) management and reactant homogeneity in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The bubble contour is extracted from the visualization experiment based on the conventional sinusoidal flow channel (SFCH), which is used as a model to design and fabricate the bubble-derived flow channel (BDFCH). The simulation results indicate that this renewed channel shows a lower momentum loss and uniform reactant distribution. Because of the optimized amplitude (A) and period (W) of BDFCH, the regenerated flow channel displays superior cell performances under various testing conditions. The cell based on the renewed design produces a peak power density of 37.07 mW cm−2 at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1 and a methanol concentration of 6 M. The maximum performance improvement of the BDFCH is 30.8% higher than the SFCH with the combination of A = 0.15 and W = 5. The BDFCH based on the SFCH (A = 0.1 and W = 5) shows a higher cell performance than the SFCH at 6 M, demonstrating the scalability of BDFCHs. This new concept for precision design and construction of flow channels provides an efficient solution for practical flow field optimization of fuel cells. • A bubble-derived concept for contour regeneration of flow channel is developed. • Two-phase flow mechanism of CO 2 bubbles in the flow channel is revealed. • The effects of BDFCH for CO 2 bubble management and reactant homogeneity in DMFC are analyzed. • A DMFC based on an optimized BDFCH with excellent electrochemical performance is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we modified distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flaps for repair of soft-tissue defects close to the distal perforating artery in the distal lower leg. The flap was designed along the axial network around the saphenous nerve. Flap transfer was performed in 45 cases. The size of the defects after debridement ranged from 4 � 3 cm to 20 � 8 cm (mean, 13 � 5.5 cm). Flap size ranged from 9 � 3 cm to 25 � 10 cm (mean, 16 � 7 cm). In this series, 41 flaps survived completely. Venous congestion was not observed. At a mean follow-up of 16.5 months, all flaps matched the recipient sites in color, texture, and thickness. Donor site morbidity was minimal. The modified distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flap is a reliable and useful option for coverage of the soft-tissue defect close to the distal perforating artery in the distal lower leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-pattern engineering, as a key strategy to fabricate high-performance Nafion membranes for fuel cells, plays an important role in surface functionalization of the membrane, optimization of the three-phase boundary, water management, proton transport, etc. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to developing advanced-patterned Nafion membranes with single-scale (nanoscale or microscale) and multiscale-patterned structures which are believed to improve the performance of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for fuel cells. In this review, the recent progress in surface-patterned Nafion membranes (SPNMs) equipped with single-scale-patterned structures (including nanostructured and microstructured Nafion membranes) is firstly highlighted. The structural features and construction methods of SPNMs are discussed in detail. The effects of single-scale SPNMs on the construction and performance of fuel cells are also analyzed. Followed is an overview of the recent advances in fabricating multiscale SPNMs based on different strategies with a specific introduction on the membrane related effects on fuel cells. Finally, the future development direction and certain perspectives on the current issues of SPNMs are presented. • A review on surface-pattern engineering of Nafion membrane for advanced fuel cells is reported. • The structural features and construction methods of SPNMs are discussed. • The electrochemical effects and structure/property relationships of SPNMs are given. • Some guides for the future development of the SPNMs are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]