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Suppressing thermal deformation is an effective measure to reduce the thermal error of CNC (computer numerical control), and the machining accuracy of CNC directly determines the quality and accuracy of parts. A cooling pipe is designed for the non-heat source parts with large swing head deformation to restrain its thermal deformation. At present, there is a lack of research results in this field. Through the finite element simulation analysis of 5AS01 five-axis direct drive swing head, the thermal deformation of swing head and motorized spindle is compared. It has been determined that the thermal deformation of the shell in the Z- and X-axes has a significant impact on the precision of the swing head's machining; thus, steps must be taken to limit its deformation. The cooling position was determined by simulating the normal working condition of the shell and gray correlation analysis. Capillary copper tube was connected with water-cooling system for cooling, and the heat transfer performance between the shell and copper tube was improved by using heat conductive silica gel sheet. Comparing the shell cooling simulation with the shell cooling experiment, it is found that both of them have the same trend in restraining the thermal deformation of the shell, reducing the thermal deformation in X direction by more than 50% and in Z direction by more than 24%. It verifies the accuracy of the cooling simulation model and the effectiveness of this cooling method, which can effectively reduce the thermal deformation of the shell and improve the machining accuracy of the machine tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that thermal deformation of CNC machine tools affects machining accuracy, a simulated internal cooling structure based on external copper tube is studied. Method of reducing thermal error of machine tool by cooling temperature sensitive position. Taking 5AS01 double swing angle milling head as the research object, the finite element simulation of temperature field and deformation field is carried out through three-dimensional modeling. It is analyzed that the thermal deformation of the swing head shell in X- and Z-directions has great influence on the thermal error of the motorized spindle, so the cooling of its temperature-sensitive position is studied. The thermal distribution of the shell under normal working conditions was simulated statically, and four temperature-sensitive positions were selected from 10 temperature measuring points by grey relational analysis. The straight capillary copper tube combined with thermal conductive silica gel was used for liquid cooling. Experiments show that the thermal deformation of the shell can be effectively reduced by about 50% by cooling the temperature sensitive points, which provides a reference for the optimization of the structure of the pendulum, and indirectly improves the machining accuracy of the motorized spindle, thus improving the machining accuracy of the machine tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to compare the hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of the rack steels with and without segregation, hot compression tests are carried out in the temperature range of 1173–1423 K and the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1 on a DIL805A/D quenching and deformation dilatometer. The flow stress, constitutive relation, processing map, and microstructure characterization are investigated. The results show that the flow stress increases with the increase of strain rate and the decrease of deformation temperature. The calculated activation energy (Q) and stress exponent (n) for the segregated samples are 395.245 kJ mol−1 and 6.046, which are higher than segregated samples, showing 376.815 kJ mol−1 and 5.930. The processing maps show that the workability of the nonsegregated steel is significantly more excellent than segregated steel. The segregated steel shows a higher kernel average misorientation angle and local strain. Complete dynamic recrystallization occurs at a high strain rate, and high deformation temperature can refine the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation is one of major contributors of diabetic osteoporosis. Here, we combined adipose tissues derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)-derived exosomes and microRNA-146a (miR-146a) to develop more effective anti-inflammation strategy in osteoclasts. Methods: miR-146a was overexpressed in AD-MSCs and miR-146a exosomes (miR-146a-Exo) were isolated and characterized. Cellular and animal diabetic osteoporosis models were created to evaluate the anti-inflammation effect of miR-146a-Exo by using ELISA, qRT-PCR, MTT, bone resorption assay, Western blot, and bone mineral content and density analysis in vitro and in vivo. Results: miR-146a-Exo administration presented the most potent effect on inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines production in high glucose-treated osteoclasts, restraint bone resorption, and restoration of the bone loss in streptozotocin-induced diabetic osteoporosis rats. Mechanistically, miR-146a-Exo suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β, induced the inactivation of inflammasome, and finally reduced bone resorption and recovered bone loss. Conclusion: Combination of AD-MSCs-Exo and miR-146a more effectively exert the anti-inflammation effect in osteoclasts, providing a potential drug for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to hesitant fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, dual hesitant fuzzy sets can model problems in the real world more comprehensively. Dual hesitant fuzzy sets explicitly show a set of membership degrees and a set of non-membership degrees, which also imply a set of important data: hesitant degrees.The traditional definition of distance between dual hesitant fuzzy sets only considers membership degree and non-membership degree, but hesitant degree should also be taken into account. To this end, using these three important data sets (membership degree, non-membership degree and hesitant degree), we first propose a variety of new distance measurements (the generalized normalized distance, generalized normalized Hausdorff distance and generalized normalized hybrid distance) for dual hesitant fuzzy sets in this paper, based on which the corresponding similarity measurements can be obtained. In these distance definitions, membership degree, non-membership-degree and hesitant degree are of equal importance. Second, we propose a clustering algorithm by using these distances in dual hesitant fuzzy information system. Finally, a numerical example is used to illustrate the performance and effectiveness of the clustering algorithm. Accordingly, the results of clustering in dual hesitant fuzzy information system are compared using the distance measurements mentioned in the paper, which verifies the utility and advantage of our proposed distances. Our work provides a new way to improve the performance of clustering algorithms in dual hesitant fuzzy information systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is one of major contributors of diabetic osteoporosis. Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) show great potential to inhibit inflammation. We investigated the anti-osteoporosis role of AD-MSCs-derived exosomes in diabetic osteoporosis and the underlying molecular mechanism. Cellular and animal diabetic osteoporosis models were created through high glucose exposure and streptozotocin injection. AD-MSCs-derived exosomes were isolated and characterized. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and osteoclast markers were determined by ELISA. Bone mineral content and density were detected to evaluate bone loss. qRT-PCR and Western blots were performed to detect the expression of target genes. AD-MSCs-derived exosomes inhibited the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in HG treated osteoclasts and restored the bone loss in streptozotocin-induced diabetic osteoporosis rats. Mechanistically, AD-MSCs-derived exosomes suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in osteoclasts, and then reduce bone resorption and recover bone loss. AD-MSCs-derived exosomes alleviate diabetic osteoporosis through suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in osteoclasts, which might be a potential cell-free therapeutic approach for diabetes-induced bone loss treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keeping through‐thickness homogeneity of mechanical properties has been a great challenge for producing heavy gauge steel plates. Herein, a superior homogeneity of microstructure and hence strength and toughness achieved in a quenched and tempered (QT) 210 mm‐thickness steel plate produced by advanced electroslag remelting casting and roller quenching (ESR–RQ) technologies are reported. Some comparisons are made with a QT 178 mm steel plate produced by conventional mold casting and immersion quenching in the water tank (MC‐IQ). The martensite of the as‐quenched ESR–RQ steel is distributed homogeneously across the thickness with a fraction of 39% at the 1/2 thickness, remarkable higher 34% than that of MC‐IQ steel. ESR–RQ steel appears excellent comprehensive mechanical properties even for the as‐quenched samples, as well as QT samples. Comparing with the MC‐IQ steel, the Charpy impact energy at −60 °C is 150 J (278%) higher for the samples tempered at 650 °C, and the yield strength is 137 MPa (18%) higher for the samples tempered at 600 °C than those of MC‐IQ steel, respectively. The considerable improvement can be attributed to homogeneous through‐thickness microstructures, including refined prior austenite grains, effective grain size, and carbide precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of herbicide atrazine (ATZ) and the nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO) in natural water bodies will be an inevitable scenario due to their widespread application and consequent release into aquatic ecosystems. But the dissipation of ATZ with GO and the response of the microbial community to their combination are still not clear. Here, we investigated the dissipation dynamics and transformation of ATZ with and without GO in river water after 21-d incubation. In the presence of GO, ATZ residue significantly decreased by 11%−43%; the transformation of ATZ markedly increased by 11%−17% when ATZ concentrations were not above 1.0 mg∙L–1. The direct adsorption of ATZ on GO, mainly via π–π interactions, proton transfer and hydrogen bonding, contributed 54%−68% of the total increased ATZ dissipation by GO. ATZ and ATZ+GO exerted effects of similar magnitude on microbial OTU numbers with an increase of bacterial diversity. The coexisting GO increased the relative abundance of ATZ-degradation bacteria and Chitinophagales , thus improving ATZ transformation. This work indicated that the coexistence of GO at environmentally relevant concentrations can effectively reduce ATZ residues and promote the transformation of ATZ to degradation products in river water; nevertheless, the potential risk of GO acting as an ATZ carrier should be given more prominence. [Display omitted] • GO promoted the dissipation and transformation of ATZ in river water. • The direct adsorption contributed most to increased ATZ dissipation by GO. • ATZ and GO altered microbial community composition with increased alpha diversity. • GO positively affected ATZ-degradation bacteria thus improving ATZ transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Isatin derivatives have extensive biological activities, such as antitumor. IF203, a novel isatin derivative, has not previously been reported to have antitumor activity. Methods: Acid phosphatase assays (APAs) and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry were used to detect the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was applied to detect ultrastructural changes. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of HepG2 cells in vitro. TUNEL, MMP and ROS immunofluorescence assays were applied to assess apoptosis, MMP, and ROS of HepG2 cells in vivo. Western Blotting was applied to assess the levels of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins. Results: In this study, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that IF203 possesses antitumor activity. The results of APAs and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry demonstrated that IF203 could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Cell cycle assays, downregulation of Cyclin B1 and Cdc2, and upregulation of P53 suggested that IF203 could lead to G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, ultrastructural changes, apoptosis assays, TUNEL immunofluorescence results, upregulated expression of Bax, and downregulated expression of Bcl-2 suggest that IF203 can induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. After IF203 treatment, intracellular ROS levels increased, MMP decreased, JC-1 green fluorescence was enhanced, and the levels of Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and Cytochrome C expression were upregulated, suggesting that IF203 could induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, characteristic apoptotic ultrastructural changes were accompanied by the appearance of many autophagy bubbles and upregulation of Atg5, Atg12, ULK1, Beclin-1 and LC3-II proteins, suggesting that IF203 could induce autophagy in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: This study showed that IF203 leads to the death of HepG2 cells through cell cycle arrest, apoptotic induction, and autophagy promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide loss triggered by runoff is one of the most important sources of non-point pollution. The effects of grass hedges ( Melilotus albus and Pennisetum alopecuroides ) on atrazine runoff under different rain intensities and slope gradients were evaluated. The plot-scale experiments were carried out on a maize ( Zea mays ) field on slopes with 15% and 20% gradients using simulated rainfall (rain intensity of 30 and 45 mm h −1 ). Atrazine residues were investigated in runoff water and soil taken from three depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm) in the middle and base of the slope after runoff events. Total atrazine loss in runoff water ranged from 2.3% to 4.9% of that applied from plots without grass hedges. Grass hedges decreased atrazine loss by 37%-76% and surface runoff by 27%-72%, and Pennisetum showed better efficacy than Melilotus, especially under higher rain intensity. Atrazine loss showed a significant positive linear correlation with surface runoff volume. Grass hedges had a more significant effect on atrazine loss than rain intensity and slope gradient. But they functioned less effectively if used under intense rain or/and steep slope conditions. Atrazine residues remained in the surface 15 cm soil were higher for the plots with grass hedges than the control plots. These results suggest that grass hedges not only significantly reduced atrazine loss by reducing the surface runoff, but also reduced the amount of atrazine leaching to deeper soil layer. P. alopecuroides was a suitable grass-hedge species for controlling atrazine losses in northern China and similar regions. Other management practices or control measures should be integrated with grass hedges in strongly sloping cropland in high-rainfall areas to maintain pesticide losses at an acceptable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported a successful cross coupling of aryl sulfonyl chlorides to forge thioether skeleton via Pd catalysis. This transformation proceeded in the presence of Xantphos. Preliminary mechanism studies demonstrated dual roles of Xantphos: (i) a reductant that reduced sulfonyl radical to thio radical; (ii) a ligand that promotes coupling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the solubility of chitosan in water and its corrosion inhibition performance on Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution, N-vanillyl- O-2′-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride chitosan (VHTC) was synthesized. The structure of VHTC was characterized by FT-IR and H-NMR spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition performance of VHTC on Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution was studied by weight loss, polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and stereo microscope analysis. Experimental results indicate that VHTC shows better inhibition efficiency compared to chitosan. When the concentration of VHTC increases to 200 mg L, the inhibition efficiency reaches 90 %, which is almost equal to the conventional corrosion inhibitors (e.g., imidazoline). The polarization study demonstrates that VHTC is a mixed-type inhibitor caused by a geometrical blanketing effect. The charge transfer resistance is proportional to the inhibitor concentration as revealed by the EIS results, indicating that the protective film on the Q235 steel surface is formed by adsorption of the inhibitor molecules. The inhibition efficiency of VHTC achieves the maximum value within 24 h when the concentration of VHTC is 200 mg L. The morphology observation of the corroded steel surface indicates that the corrosion of Q235 steel in 1 M HCl solution is significantly inhibited after introducing VHTC into the acidic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a synthetic U-Pb and Hf isotopic study of zircons and a whole-rock geochemical study on diabase swarms that were emplaced into the Proterozoic formations in the Xuzhou-Huaibei area, the southeast margin of North China Craton. Zircons from the diabase dykes display weak oscillatory zoning in the cathodoluminescence (CL) images and show high Th/U ratios (0.91-6.90), both of which are typical of a magmatic origin. The SHRIMP and Q-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating results indicate that the diabase swarms were emplaced at ca. 890 Ma. Hf isotopic analysis on these zircons gives ɛ( t) values ranging from 2.26 to 14.74 and Hf model age t and t ranging from 843 to 1321 Ma and from 808 to 1779 Ma, respectively. Geochemically, the diabase swarms are characterized by a relative enrichment in LREE and LILE (Rb, Ba and La), a comparative enrichment in Cr and Ni, but a slight depletement in HFSE (Th, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf). They are plotted in the within-plate tholeiite series on the tectonic discrimination diagrams. Taken together, these geochemical and isotopic data suggest that the primary magmas to form the diabase dykes in the Xuzhou-Huaibei area could have been derived from a transitional mantle in the Mesoproterozoic, and were most probably emplaced under a continental margin extensional setting at ca. 890 Ma. The results of this study demonstrate that the Neoproterozoic (800-900 Ma)magmatism was not restricted to the Yangtze Block, but also occurred at the southeast margin of the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soil and water loss from sloping croplands is a major environmental problem that is attracting widespread attention across the world. Various soil protection techniques, such as terrace and contour tillage, have been used in recent years with limited results. Grass hedges and micro-basins are effective for reducing soil and water loss on sloping croplands in tropical and subtropical regions. However, grass hedges and micro-basins have not been adequately evaluated in temperate climatic regions (for example, in Northern China); thus, they would not be readily accepted by local farmers. In this study, the soil and water conservation effects of two native grass hedges (Pennisetum alopecuroides (Linn.) Spreng. and Arundinella hirta (Thunb.) C. Tanaka) and micro-basins were studied in the temperate regions of Northern China using simulated rainfall. The experiment included two parts: trial I and trial II. In trial I, three independent variables, including grass hedges (the Arundinella, the Pennisetum, and the control), slope gradient (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), and rainfall intensity (36mmh−1 and 63mmh−1) were considered. In trial II, the independent variables were changed to soil protective practice (the grass hedges, the micro-basins, and the control), slope gradient (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), and rainfall intensity (36mmh−1 and 63mm h−1). Next, the Vegetative Filter Strip Modeling System (VFSMOD) model was introduced to simulate the runoff and sediment intercepted by the grass hedges. Lastly, cost analysis was conducted based on the cost of labor and seeds or plants for the grass hedge and micro-basin trials. The use of Pennisetum hedges decreased the mean runoff and soil loss by 56% and 81%, the Arundinella hedges decreased the runoff and soil loss by 55% and 67%, and the micro-basins decreased the runoff and soil loss by 70% and 62%, respectively. Moreover, the runoff and sediment that passed through the grass hedges can be reasonably simulated with the VFSMOD model (the relative errors for runoff and sediment content were −19.1% and −14.6%, and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies for runoff and sediment content were 0.91 and 0.85, respectively). Conversely, the grass hedges occupied 9% of the farmland in the study area and cost 5864 CNY per hectare. In addition, the micro-basins occupied 7% of the farmland and cost 3000 CNY per hectare. These results imply that grass hedges and micro-basins are cost-effective when compared with terraces, which cost more than 7401 CNY per hectare and typically occupy 18% of farmland. Overall, we conclude that the soil protective practices of using grass hedges or micro-basins are effective and efficient for decreasing soil and water loss on sloping croplands in temperate regions. Thus, these practices should be intensively recommended and used widely in similar climatic regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a challenging procedure in children with congenital lung malformations (CLMs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic clockwise lobectomy (TCL) in CLMs in children and its potential to be a stylized procedure. Methods: All patients with CLMs who received TCL from 2015 to 2019 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical information was extracted from medical records, including patient demographics, operative details, and outcomes. Results: A total of 184 patients with a median age of 6.8 months (range, 3–156) and a median weight of 9 kg (range, 6–45) received TCL. Lesions were all located in the lower lobe and included congenital pulmonary airway malformation (n = 133), intralobar sequestration (n = 44), bronchiectasis (n = 4), and congenital lobar emphysema (n = 3). The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) operating time was 46 ± 7.5 minutes (range, 35–113). The mean (±SD) blood loss was 3.5 ± 0.8 mL (range, 1–60). Three patients converted to thoracotomy, and 162 patients did not have a chest tube placed. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients except 2 patients who developed air leaks and 23 patients who developed a mild fever. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. A total of 163 patients were followed up for more than 1 year without any complications. Conclusion: TCL is suitable for lower lobectomy and is safe and effective in standard and complicated thoracoscopic lobectomy. It could be recommended as a stylized procedure in treating children with CLMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover shows the world's first set roller quenching equipment for ultraheavy plates up to 300 mm thickness developed independently by Northeastern University in China. The advanced electroslag remelting casting and roller quenching processes make it possible to produce extra heavy steel plates with excellent comprehensive performance. Superior Through-Thickness Homogeneity of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultraheavy Steel Plate by Advanced Casting and Quenching Technologies. [Extracted from the article]

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most frequent complications of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. However, the current treatment methods still cannot effectively halt the progression of DN. Jian-Pi-Gu-Shen-Hua-Yu (JPGS) decoction can be used for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases such as DN, but the specific mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated yet. Purpose. The aim of this study is to clarify whether JPGS alleviates the progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting ferroptosis. Materials and Methods. We established a DN mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effect of JPGS in a DN mouse model. Subsequently, we examined the effects of JPGS on ferroptosis- and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway-related indices. Finally, we validated whether JPGS inhibited ferroptosis in DN mice via the GPX4 pathway using GPX4 inhibitor and ferroptosis inhibitors. Results. The results indicate that JPGS has a therapeutic effect on DN mice by improving kidney function and reducing inflammation. Additionally, JPGS treatment decreased iron overload and oxidative stress levels while upregulating the expression of GPX4 pathway-related proteins. Moreover, JPGS demonstrated a similar therapeutic effect as Fer-1 in the context of DN treatment, and RSL3 was able to counteract the therapeutic effect of JPGS and antiferroptotic effect. Conclusion. JPGS has significant therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects on DN mice, and its mechanism is mainly achieved by upregulating the expression of GPX4 pathway-related proteins, thereby alleviating iron overload and ultimately reducing ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ginsenoside Rd (GRd) has cardioprotective properties but its efficacy and mechanism of action in myocardial I/R injury have not been clarified. This study investigated GRd as a potent therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R injury. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation were used to establish a myocardial I/R injury model in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, GRd significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size and markers of myocardial injury and improved the cardiac function in myocardial I/R injury mice. In vitro, GRd enhanced cell viability and protected the H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line from OGD-induced injury GRd. The network pharmacology analysis predicted 48 potential targets of GRd for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the cardioprotective effects of GRd were closely related to inflammation and apoptosis mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, GRd alleviated inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and inhibited OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in cardiomyocytes. GRd also increased PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, suggesting activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, whereas LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, blocked the GRd-induced inhibition of OGD/R-induced apoptosis and inflammation in H9c2 cells. The therapeutic effect of GRd in vivo and in vitro against myocardial I/R injury was primarily dependent on PI3K/Akt pathway activation to inhibit inflammation and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This study provides new evidence for the use of GRd as a cardiovascular drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the air quality monitoring data and meteorological data, the pollution characteristics of PM2.5 in southern Beijing and relationships between PM2.5 levels and meteorological features were analyzed. The results showed that during the investigation period, daily air quality was characterized as "excellent" and "favorable" (<75 µg m−3) on 77% of days in southern Beijing, and there were only two days with serious air pollution (>250 µg m−3). The PM2.5 concentration displayed obvious monthly variations with the highest concentration in November and the lowest concentration in August. When PM2.5 pollution episodes occurred (>75 µg m−3) in this area, the wind direction was often south and southeast with low wind speed (<3 m∙s−1), followed by southwest wind; in addition, the air temperature was low (<10 °C) and the relative humidity was high (>75%). The air quality of the study area was affected by the pollution transmission form the surrounding areas, especially the southeastern and the southern transmission paths. The PM2.5 concentration was positively correlated with SO2, NO2 and CO, and negatively correlated with O3. Therefore, to further improve the air quality in the study area, it is necessary to coordinate the control of PM2.5 and O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide, cervical cancer (CC) remains the most prevalent malignancy of the female reproductive system, posing a threat to women's life and health, and increasing the medical and economic burden on society. Therefore, the search for tumor biomarkers for CC remains an important research direction. Immunotherapy has significantly improved patient outcomes, and genes related to tumor immune infiltration have been clinically relevant and highly reproducible biomarkers that affect the prognosis and response to treatment of CC. 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase 1 (DECR1) was considered to be an oncogene in a previous study, but relationship between DECR1 and immune infiltration was not mentioned. Our study aimed to reveal the clinical value of DECR1 in CC and to investigate its relationship with immune infiltration. Methods: Human Protein Atlas was used to identify the localization of DECR1. The Ualcan database, TCGA, and IHC were used to assess the prognostic value of DECR1. GSEA was used to assess the possible signaling pathways of DECR1 in CC. The TIMER database was applied to reveal the relevance between DECR1 and immune infiltration. GEPIA was conducted to detect the co‐relationship among DECR1, immune markers, and typical molecules of apoptosis. Results: DECR1 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and overlapped with the endoplasmic reticulum. DECR1 was downregulated in CC compared to adjacent tissue. Survival analysis showed that patients with lower expression of DECR1 have a worse prognosis in CC. GSEA suggested that DECR1 was closely related to apoptosis signaling. TIMER showed that DECR1 was positively correlated with CD8+ T cell and CD4+ T cell but not with B cell in CC. Conclusion: DECR1 may be a potential cancer suppressor in CC and may be involved in apoptotic pathways and associated with immune infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed motorized spindle is an important component of machine tool, and the influence of heat and deformation generated in the working process on the machining accuracy cannot be ignored. In order to reduce the temperature of the motorized spindle in the machining process, this paper first explores the influence of the flow rate of the motorized spindle cooling water on the cooling water jacket and the overall temperature change. The results indicate that when the flow rate exceeds a certain range, the overall temperature no longer drops, so there is an optimal flow rate in the choice of flow rate. Secondly, to solve the problem of uneven axial temperature distribution of the traditional spiral water jacket, four kinds of cooling water jackets with different structures were proposed. The simulation results show that the difference in temperature distribution inside the serpentine water jacket is small, the overall temperature was reduced by 1.8 °C and the pressure drop was reduced by 62.54 kPa. It shows that the serpentine cooling water jacket has better cooling performance and can effectively reduce the thermal deformation of the motorized spindle shafting, so as to achieve the purpose of improving the machining accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus spp. show excellent application prospects due to its bioenergy potential and multiple ecological services. Annual N export with biomass harvest from Miscanthus, even without fertilizer supplement, do not reduce soil N levels. The question arises regarding how Miscanthus can maintain stable soil N levels. Metagenomic strategies were used to reveal soil N‐cycling‐related microbiome and their functional contributions to processes of soil N‐cycling based on the comparison among the bare land, cropland, 10‐year Miscanthus × giganteus, and 15‐year Miscanthus sacchariflorus fields. The results showed that, after long‐term cropland‐to‐Miscanthus conversion (LCMC), 16 of 21 bacterial phyla and all the archaeal phyla exhibited significant changes. Soil microbial denitrification and nitrification functions were significantly weakened, and N fixation (NF) was significantly enhanced. The biosynthesis of amino acids, especially alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, in soil N‐cycling‐related microbiome was dramatically promoted. The genus Anaeromyxobacter contributed largely to the NF process after LCMC. Variations in the soil available potassium, available N, organic C, and total N contents drove a functional shift of soil microbiome from cropland to Miscanthus pattern. We conclude that Miscanthus can recruit Anaeromyxobacter communities to enhance NF benefiting its biomass sustainability and soil N balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a global epidemic of infectious disease; the purpose of our study was to explore new potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and to use the biomarkers for further pan-cancer analysis. Methods. Four microarray gene expression sets were downloaded from the GEO public databases and conducted for further analysis. Healthy control (HC) samples and samples of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were calculated with enrichment scores in folate biosynthesis pathways. The scores acted as a new phenotype combined with clinical information (control or PTB) for subsequent analysis. Weight gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to seek the modules mostly related to PTB and folate biosynthesis in training sets. Twenty-nine coexistence genes were screened by intersecting the genes in the green-yellow module of GSE28623 and the brown module of GSE83456. We used the protein-protein interaction network analysis to narrow the gene range to search for hub genes. Then, we downloaded the unified and standardized pan-cancer data set from the UCSC database for correlations between biomarkers and prognosis and tumor stage differences. Results. Eventually, RTP4 was selected as a biomarker. To verify the reliability of this biomarker, an area under the ROC (AUC) was calculated in gene sets (GSE28623, GSE83456, and GSE34608). Lastly, to explore the difference in RTP4 expression before and after antituberculosis treatment, the GSE31348 gene set was enrolled to compare the expressions in weeks 0 and 26. The results showed significant differences between these two time points (p < 0.001). RTP4 was significantly upregulated in the pulmonary tuberculosis group compared to the healthy control group in three gene sets and downregulated after antituberculosis therapy in one gene set. These results suggest that RTP4 can be used as a potential biomarker in diagnosing tuberculosis. The results of pan-cancer analysis showed that high expression of RTP4 in 4 tumor types was positively correlated with poor prognosis and high expression of RTP4 in 6 tumor types was negatively correlated with poor prognosis. We found significant differences in the expression of the RTP4 gene at different stages in 5 types of tumors. Conclusion. RTP4 might be a new potential biomarker for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

San-Huang-Yi-Shen capsule (SHYS) has been used in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in clinics. However, the mechanism of SHYS on DKD remains unclear. In this study, we used a high-fat diet combined with streptozocin (STZ) injection to establish a rat model of DKD, and different doses of SHYS were given by oral gavage to determine the therapeutic effects of SHYS on DKD. Then, we studied the effects of SHYS on PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome to study the possible mechanisms of SHYS on DKD. Our result showed that SHYS could alleviate DKD through reducing the body weight loss, decreasing the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), and improving the renal function, insulin resistance (IR), and inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the kidney. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed SHYS treatment improved the morphology of mitochondria in the kidney. In addition, western blot and immunoflourescence staining showed that SHYS treatment induced the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and inhibited the activation of NLRP3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the therapeutic effects of SHYS on DKD. Additionally, our results indicated that SHYS promoted PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation to improve mitochondrial injury and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters (HEFs), which are composed of an active filter and a passive filter, have been proposed to reduce the size and weight of conventional passive EMI filters in literatures. However, accurate models that can be used to predict the stability and performance of HEFs have not been developed. To cope with this, this paper presents a modeling technique for a hybrid common-mode (CM) filter. The technique can be applied to the modeling of other HEFs. Critical component models were first developed for the HEF. HEF's overall model was further developed based on these individual component models. Experimental results validated that the developed model can successfully predict the stability and performance of active/hybrid CM filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed electric spindle is an important part of computer numerical control (CNC) machining equipment. The thermal displacement generated by the electric spindle during operation is the main reason that affects the machining stability and machining accuracy of the electric spindle. Compensating the thermal error of the high-speed electric spindle can effectively improve the CNC machining. Improve equipment processing performance. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish the accuracy of the thermal error prediction model. Taking the A02 high-speed electric spindle as the research object, ANSYS is used to analyze the thermal characteristics of the electric spindle, and the temperature and thermal displacement monitoring points of the electric spindle are arranged according to the simulation results, and the temperature and thermal displacement data of the monitoring points under different rotational speeds are collected; using K-means to classify temperature measurement points, uses the gray relation analysis degree to determine the correlation between the temperature measurement point and the thermal displacement data, and selects 4 temperature-sensitive points from 10 temperature measurement points. Finally, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the penalty factor and kernel function of support vector machine (SVM), and the PSO-SVM prediction model is established to compare with the neural network prediction model of SVM and genetic algorithm (GA) optimized SVM. The results show that PSO-SVM has better robustness, stability, and generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal error of the motorized spindle is an essential factor affecting the machining accuracy of high-speed numerically controlled machines. The establishment of a high-speed motorized spindle thermal error model for thermal error compensation can effectively improve the impact of thermal errors on the machining accuracy of the machine tool. This paper proposes a sparrow search algorithm to optimize the Elman neural network to predict thermal errors in motorized spindles. First is the simulation analysis on thermal characteristics of A02 high-speed motorized spindle. Based on the simulation results, the position of the temperature measuring points is arranged in the temperature and thermal error experiment of the motorized spindle. The temperature and thermal displacement data of high-speed motorized spindle at different rotational speeds were collected; secondly, the method of combining pedigree clustering and k-means clustering is used to perform cluster analysis on each temperature measurement point, and the grey correlation degree is used to determine the correlation between temperature measurement points and thermal error. Three temperature-sensitive points were screened from ten temperature measurement points, which reduced the collinearity between temperature measurement points and the number of independent variables of the model. Finally, the weights and thresholds of the Elman neural network are optimized by the sparrow search algorithm, and the thermal error prediction model of motorized spindle based on SSA-Elman neural network is established and compared with Elman neural network and Particle Swarm Optimized Elman Neural Network prediction model. The results show that the SSA-Elman neural network model has the highest prediction accuracy and exhibits good stability and generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multistep quench−lamellarization−tempering treatment (QLT) is designed for a low‐carbon high‐Ni martensitic steel to obtain extra high strength, low yield‐to‐tensile ratio, and extra high cryogenic toughness. A mixed microstructure composed of intercritical ferrite, tempered martensite, and Ni‐rich retained austenite (RA) is obtained under the QLT treatment process. The volume fraction of Ni‐rich RA is 13.6% in the QL655T sample. The QL655T sample has a yield strength of 915 MPa and tensile strength of 1080 MPa, leading to a lower yield‐to‐tensile ratio of 0.85. In addition, a total elongation to failure of 19.9% and Charpy impact toughness of 190 J at −196 °C are encouraging in comparison with the conventional counterparts. During tensile deforming, the blocky RA grains can transform easily with increasing strain, while the strain leads to rotations of the film‐like RA grains before the transformation. The RA grains with high thermal stability are attributed to the enrichment of Ni and the effect of size, which makes the ≈11.6% RA grains remain at −196 °C in the QL655T sample. During impact, the transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect of RA leads to the excellent cryogenic toughness of the QL655T sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate short-term wind power prediction is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of wind power systems. To enhance the accuracy of short-term wind power prediction, this paper proposes a hybrid short-term wind power prediction model, IDBO-VMD-TCN-GRU-Attention, based on the Improved Dung Beetle Optimizer algorithm (IDBO), Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD), Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Attention Mechanism. The IDBO is used to optimize the parameters of the VMD. Then the optimized IDBO-VMD is used to decompose the original data into modal components with lower volatility to fully extract the data features. These modal components are inputted into the TCN-GRU-Attention to predict the short-term wind power and obtain the final prediction value. The model is tested and validated using real data from four different months and compared against 11 other models. Results demonstrate that our proposed model significantly reduces the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) by an average of at least 22.86 %, 18.82 %, and 19.99 %, respectively, across the four different months. This indicates that the proposed model provides a superior fit to the data, offers higher prediction accuracy, and holds significant practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term photovoltaic power forecasting (PVPF) is crucial in the scheduling and functioning of contemporary electrical systems. A short-term PVPF model based on correlation analysis, similar day clustering, mode decomposition and hybrid deep learning is proposed to address the volatility and stochasticity of PV output. To construct a similar day clustering model, the Kendall rank correlation coefficient is used to select weather features for clustering. Subsequently, the K-means++ clustering method is used to divide the dataset into sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, thereby improving the similarity of the training samples. PV power sequences are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) via improved variational mode decomposition (IVMD), reducing non-stationarity and complexity. Introducing the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) for optimal hyperparameters of BiLSTM, and an Attention mechanism is incorporated for effective key information capture. Finally, the IVMD-IWOA-BiLSTM-Attention prediction model is constructed, and the prediction results of each IMF are summed and reconstructed to obtain the final PV power prediction results. Compared with the benchmark model, the hybrid prediction model reduces the RMSE by an average of 86.54 %, 71.01 % and 72.71 % for sunny, cloudy and rainy days, respectively. This approach is of significant importance for decision-making and scheduling in photovoltaic grid connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recretohalophyte Karelinia caspia is of forage and medical value and can remediate saline soils. We here assess the contribution of primary/secondary metabolism to osmotic adjustment and ROS homeostasis in Karelinia caspia under salt stress using multi‐omic approaches. Computerized phenomic assessments, tests for cellular osmotic changes and lipid peroxidation indicated that salt treatment had no detectable physical effect on K. caspia. Metabolomic analysis indicated that amino acids, saccharides, organic acids, polyamine, phenolic acids, and vitamins accumulated significantly with salt treatment. Transcriptomic assessment identified differentially expressed genes closely linked to the changes in above primary/secondary metabolites under salt stress. In particular, shifts in carbohydrate metabolism (TCA cycle, starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis) as well as arginine and proline metabolism were observed to maintain a low osmotic potential. Chlorogenic acid/vitamin E biosynthesis was also enhanced, which would aid in ROS scavenging in the response of K. caspia to salt. Overall, our findings define key changes in primary/secondary metabolism that are coordinated to modulate the osmotic balance and ROS homeostasis to contribute to the salt tolerance of K. caspia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO thin films were prepared on quartz glass substrates by different sol-gel methods using a spin-coating technique. The structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission spectra analysis. The results show that different factors such as Zn2+ concentration, solvent, sol stabilizer, pre-heat treatment temperature, and annealing temperature have a great impact on the structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parity operator for a parity-symmetric quantum field theory transforms as an infinite sum of irreducible representations of the homogeneous Lorentz group. These representations are connected with Wilson polynomials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Xintian complex is associated with a telescoped porphyry-epithermal system. • Influxes of mafic melts into felsic melts result in the emplacement of this complex. • High oxidation state and magmatic water are conducive to the Cu–Au mineralization. The Naozhi polymetallic veins classified into the intermediate-sulfidation (IS) type and the 2 km northwest Xintian porphyry Cu–Mo ore occurrence in the Yanbian area, Northeast China, constitute a telescoped porphyry-epithermal system. IS veins are surrounded by Early Jurassic granodiorite stocks (189 ± 1 Ma; zircon U-Pb) and Early Cretaceous andesite lava (128 – 130 Ma; zircon U-Pb). They are partially covered by younger pyroclastic rocks dated at 108 ± 2 Ma (Zircon U-Pb). The Xintian occurrence is connected in space and time with an intrusive complex including five sequential phases from gabbro diorite and granodiorite stocks through diorite porphyry dykes to granodiorite porphyry and granite porphyry stocks, with indistinguishable ages within errors (128 ± 1 Ma to 126 ± 1 Ma zircon 206Pb/238U by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The broad compositional variations (eg., 52.24 – 69.23 wt% SiO 2) of the complex and the igneous mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) hosted by granodiorite stocks are likely responses to inputs of hot mafic melts into a shallow felsic magma chamber. Based on the trace element contents of zircons, the redox conditions during the crystallization of zircon minerals in equilibrium with the melts are evaluated by calculating the FMQ values. The early mafic phase (gabbro diorite; FMQ 4.60 ± 1.33) is more oxidized than later phases (granodiorite, diorite porphyry, granodiorite porphyry, and granite porphyry) with FMQ values of 1.70 ± 1.80 to 2.28 ± 2.36. The highly oxidizing conditions of associated magmas, as well as high magmatic water contents (>4%) because of ubiquitous biotite and amphibole in this complex, are conducive to escape of primary volatiles from shallow, fertile porphyry magmas, with consequent ore deposition in structurally optimal positions at Naozhi-Xintian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data centers require continuous cooling throughout the year and produce a large amount of low-grade waste heat. How to fully utilize the waste heat while ensuring the efficiency of air conditioning is a problem that needs to be addressed. In this paper, a data center air conditioning with heat recovery function was constructed, and the application scheme of the novel system that considers both high-efficiency cooling and waste heat recovery was proposed. The feasibility analysis was conducted at a data center in Shenyang, with the heat pipe/vapor compression high-efficiency system for cooling and the coal-fired boiler for heating as the comparison scheme. The results show that although adding heat recovery function realizes the utilization of waste heat in data centers, it also increases the energy consumption of the system. The centralized application scheme composed of a single large system reduces annual carbon emissions by 0.9 % and increases operating costs by 12.6 %. The distributed application scheme composed of multiple small systems reduces annual carbon emissions by 14.6 % and reduces operating costs by 3.5 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of VERU-111 in vitro and in vivo model systems of cervical cancer. VERU-111 treatment inhibited cell proliferation and, clonogenic potential, induce accumulation of p53 and down regulated the expression of HPV E6/E7 expression in cervical cancer cells. In addition, VERU-111 treatment also decreased the phosphorylation of Jak2(Tyr1007/1008) and STAT3 at Tyr705 and Ser727. VERU-111 treatment arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase and modulated cell cycle regulatory proteins (cyclin B1, p21, p34cdc2 and pcdk1). Moreover, VERU-111 treatment induced apoptosis and modulated the expression of Bid, Bcl-xl, Survivin, Bax, Bcl2 and cleavage in PARP. In functional assays, VERU-111 markedly reduced the migratory and invasive potential of cervical cancer cells via modulations of MMPs. VERU-111 treatment also showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of orthotopic xenograft tumor growth in athymic nude mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potent anti-cancer efficacy of VERU-111 in experimental cervical cancer models.Thus, VERU-111 can be explored as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied newly found high Nb–Ta alkaline rhyolites in the northern volcanic belt of the Great Xing'an Range, China. The LA–ICP–MS U–Pb weighted mean age is 114.07 ± 0.55 Ma, indicating that the rocks formed during the late Early Cretaceous and were the product of the late eruption of a Mesozoic volcano. The major element contents are characterized by high Si, rich K, low Fe, and poor Ca and Mg. In the total alkaline–silicon diagram, the sample points are in the alkaline rhyolite region. Meanwhile, rare earth elements show obvious Ce/Ce* positive anomalies and Eu/Eu* negative anomalies. In addition, trace elements are characterized by high Nb, Ta, and Yb, and low Sr. The two-stage Nd isotopic model age T2DM of the depleted mantle is between 799–813 Ma, indicating that the diagenetic material originated from the depleted mantle or partial melting of newly formed young crustal materials. The source rocks melted at a relative shallow depth (<30 km), under lower pressure (<0.5 Gpa) and high oxygen fugacity; moreover, the residues in the source region were Ca-rich mafic plagioclase + amphibole + orthopyroxene. In the Nb–Y–3Ga and Nb–Y–Ce diagrams, the sample points are in the A1 type region. It can be concluded that the mantle-derived basaltic magma underplated and supplied the heat sources for partial melting of the metamorphic crustal rocks in an intraplate extensional tectonic environment related to a rift, mantle plume, and hot spot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the main complications of diabetes. However, effective therapy to block or slow down the progression of DN is still lacking. San-Huang-Yi-Shen capsule (SHYS) has been shown to significantly improve renal function and delay the progression of DN. However, the mechanism of SHYS on DN is still unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model of DN. Then, we investigated the anti-ferroptotic effects of SHYS including the reduction of iron overload and the activation of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis. Finally, we used a GPX4 inhibitor (RSL3) and ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) to determine whether SHYS ameliorates DN through inhibiting ferroptosis. The results showed that SHYS treatment was effective for mice with DN in terms of improving renal function, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Besides, SHYS treatment reduced iron overload and upregulated the expression of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis-related factors in kidney. Moreover, SHYS exhibited similar therapeutic effect on DN as ferrostatin-1, RSL3 could abolish the therapeutic and anti- ferroptotic effects of SHYS on DN. In conclusion, SHYS can be used to treat mice with DN. Furthermore, SHYS could inhibit ferroptosis in DN through reducing iron overload and upregulating the expression of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis. [Display omitted] • San-Huang-Yi-Shen capsule (SHYS) ameliorated diabetic nephropathy (DN). • SHYS reduced ferroptosis in the kidney of DN mice. • SHYS inhibited ferroptosis through reducing iron overload and upregulating GPX4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional air-conditioners in data centers generally have the problems of high energy consumption and poor cooling effect. In this paper, a composite cooling system with pump-driven heat pipe and vapor compression operation modes is proposed to solve the above problems. The system adopts pump supply liquid technology and rack-level terminals. The cooling effect, energy efficiency, and annual performance of the system are analyzed in this paper. In terms of energy efficiency, the coefficient of performance in vapor compression mode is 6.6–3.8 (outside temperature is 15–35 °C); the coefficient of performance in heat pipe mode is 15.8–9.7 (outside temperature is −15–15 °C). In terms of the cooling effect, the novel system performs well for temperature control accuracy, and the on-demand supply cooling of each rack can be realized. In terms of the annual performance of the typical city, the annual average coefficient of performance of the novel system in vapor compression mode increases by 8.5% compared with the system adopting direct expansion technology. The power usage effectiveness of the data center that adopts the novel cooling system can reach 1.23 which satisfies the current standard. • A rack-level data center cooling system adopting pump supply liquid technology is presented. • The cooling effect and energy efficiency performance are analyzed through experimental study. • The on-demand supply cooling of each rack can be realized. • The power usage effectiveness of the data center adopting the novel cooling system can reach 1.23 in the typical city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) shows great bioenergy potential and provides multiple ecological services. However, its severe seed shedding causes biomass waste and seed diffusion risk. Questions arise as to the production performance of switchgrass after panicle removal (PR), which remains unknown. We revealed switchgrass growth responses to PR and illustrated physiological reasons. Compared to the untreated switchgrass, PR significantly stimulated stem elongation (32.13%) and increased tiller number (39.70%), as well as aboveground biomass (24.69%). Importantly, PR significantly increased contents of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in the stem, which was directly beneficial to the ethanol conversion, and in the rhizome and root. The chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic efficiency, and photochemical quantum efficiencies of flag leaf increased significantly. PR switchgrass allocated more assimilates into the stem, root, rhizome, and NSCs. Activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, ribulose-1, 5-diphosphate carboxylase, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in flag leaf and adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and SPS in the stem and rhizome all increased significantly. In contrast, activities of the AGPase in flag leaf and sheath decreased significantly. Contents of zeatin nucleoside, gibberellins, and indoleacetic acid in flag leaf, stem, and rhizome all increased. Abscisic acid contents in flag leaf and stem decreased significantly while increased significantly in the rhizome. In conclusion, growth-promoting hormones delayed plant senescence, enhanced leaf photosynthesis, and enhanced vegetative growth through regulating assimilates-metabolism-related enzymes, which increased biomass accumulation in PR switchgrass. This work provided new insights for yield and digestibility improvement in switchgrass through field management practices, hormones regulation, or genetic modification strategies. [Display omitted] • Panicle removal (PR) retarded plant senescence in switchgrass. • PR increased biomass dry weights of switchgrass. • PR increased contents of nonstructural carbohydrates in stem, root and rhizome. • AGPase and SPS facilitated storage and transport of C assimilates in PR switchgrass. • Growth promoting hormones played critical roles in delaying plant senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of seawater exposure on the mechanical behavior of concrete columns reinforced longitudinally with glass fiber reinforced polymer (CCR-GFRP) bars. Numerous salt crystals emerged and slight exfoliation was observed after the surfaces of the columns were immersed in seawater for 120 days. The CCR-GFRP failed in either the axial compressive failure or split-crack failure mode. Furthermore, the probability of split-crack failure gradually increased with the duration of seawater exposure. In general, the carrying capacity of the CCR-GFRP initially increased and then decreased as the seawater exposure progressed. The strains of the surface concrete and inner glass fiber reinforced polymer bars continuously increased, but the strain of the glass fiber reinforced polymer bars and probability of the variability of the strain were less than those of the surface concrete. In addition, the bonding between the glass fiber reinforced polymer bars and concrete gradually decreased with increasing diameter of the glass fiber reinforced polymer bars. As the exposure period increased, the bonding between the glass fiber reinforced polymer bars of the same concrete columns weakened significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For isolated dc–dc power converters, the interwinding parasitic capacitance of the transformer is usually one of the main paths for common-mode (CM) noise. In order to simplify the CM noise analysis, this paper proposes a two-capacitor transformer winding capacitance model. The model is derived based on general conditions so it can be applied to different isolated converter topologies. A measurement technique is also proposed to obtain the lumped capacitance for the model. The CM noise models of several isolated converter topologies are analyzed with the proposed two-capacitor transformer winding capacitance model to achieve simplicity. Finally, the proposed transformer winding capacitance model and measurement technique are verified by simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Two-dose varicella vaccination has been available in Beijing since 2012 in the private sector. We investigated a varicella outbreak in a highly vaccinated elementary school population. Methods A cohort study was carried out and a varicella case was defined as an acute onset of generalized maculopapulovesicular rash without other apparent cause in a student attending the school from March 29 through May 17, 2015. Breakthrough varicella was defined as varicella >42 days after the last vaccine dose among both 1- or 2-dose varicella vaccine recipients. Vaccination information was collected from immunization records; information on prior varicella and clinical presentations was collected by surveying students’ parents. Results Of the 1056 students in the school, 1027 (97.3%) reported no history of varicella. Prior to the outbreak, 98.6% of students had received ≥1 dose of varicella vaccine, and most (63.2%) students received two doses. Twenty varicella cases were identified for an overall attack rate of 2.0%. Half of the cases occurred in the classroom of the index case-patient, a two-dose recipient who was not isolated after symptom onset. Breakthrough varicella accounted for 95% of cases (19/20) with attack rates of 14.3% (1/7), 1.6% (6/362) and 2.0% (13/649) among unvaccinated, one-dose, and two-dose students, respectively. Most case-patients (18/20, 90%) had <50 lesions. No difference in clinical presentations was found between one-dose and two-dose recipients with breakthrough varicella. Conclusion Moderate two-dose varicella vaccine coverage was insufficient to prevent a varicella outbreak. Two-dose recipients with breakthrough varicella are contagious. High two-dose varicella vaccine coverage and timely isolation of cases may be needed for varicella outbreak prevention in the two-dose era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CircRNAs identification in mice kidney samples. • Silencing mmu_circ_0000943 inhibited the inflammation response induced by H/R in TKPTS cells. • Mmu_circ_0000943 acts as a sponge for miR-377-3p. • MiR-377-3p mediated the effects of mmu_circ_0000943 on inflammation response and oxidative stress in H/R-treated TKPTS cells via targeting Egr2 3'UTR. • Mmu_circ_0000943 participated in inflammation response by increasing Egr2. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a widely pathophysiological state triggered by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during kidney transplant. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been shown to exert crucial roles in IRI. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is mainly undefined. Differentially expressed circRNAs between IRI and sham group were identified by analyzing RNA-sequencing data in mice. Next, in vitro functional experiments were carried out to investigate the role of mmu_circ_0000943 in mouse kindey proximal tubule cell (TKPTS) apoptosis, inflammation response and oxidative stress using CCK-8, flow cytometry and ELISA assays, respectively. Moreover, bioinformatic prediction, western blot, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to examine the network among mmu_circ_0000943, miR-377-3p and early growth response 2 (Egr2). Mmu_circ_0000943 was upregulated in renal IRI tissues and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated TKPTS cells. Knockdown of mmu_circ_0000943 inhibited cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress upon H/R treatment. Mechanistically, co-transfection of siRNA targeting mmu_circ_0000943 and miR-377-3p inhibitor could counteract the anti-IRI effect. Furthermore, mmu_circ_0000943 regulated the expression of Egr2 by sponging miR-377-3p to alleviate H/R-induced TKPTS cell damage. This study suggested that mmu_circ_0000943 participated in progression of renal IRI by sponging miR-377-3p with Egr2, providing a new insight into AKI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curdlan has been considered as a promising food additive and eventually utilized in the fabrication of several drug delivery systems. But it has not been developed and utilized in orodispersible films due to its water insolubility. In this study, we attempted to prepare composite nanofibers using carboxymethylation curdlan (CM-CD) to improve curdlan solubility. What is more, amlodipine besylate (AB), a dihydropyridine-derivative drugs to cure cardiovascular diseases was formulated with poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and CM-CD into the nanofiber orodispersible films (NOFs) via applying electrospinning technology. The NOFs were farther investigated with regard to their morphology, solid state and mechanical properties. The NOFs disintegration performance and dissolution behavior were also assessed before the pharmacokinetic evaluation. NMR and FT-IR showed that modified CM-CD have been obtained and uniform spinning solutions could be produced by using water/methanol mixture solvent. The SEM revealed that the composite nanofibers diameter were about 200–300 nm, and the fibers surface smoothly. AB was amorphously distributed in all these mats without drug and polymer interactions. Increasing CM-CD content in NOFs, mechanical property and disintegration and dissolution were significantly changed. In addition, the CM-CD/NOFs demonstrated a shorter T max with a higher bioavailability compared to the commercial AB tablets. Overall, we propose nanofibers based on CM-CD as promising platforms for buccal mucosa drug delivery. [Display omitted] • Electrospinning technology to prepare nanofiber oral films (NOFs) and to delivery amlodipine besylate (AB). • Carboxymethylation curdlan (CM-CD) to improve curdlan solubility. • AB-loaded composite nanofibers smoothly prepared by using mixture solvent. • Adding CM-CD changed the drug release behavior of AB from the NOFs. • Faster release NOFs superior to improve the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hamiltonian H=1/2p2+1/2p2+1/2m2x2+gx2(ix)δ with δ,g&ges;0 is non-Hermitian, but the energy levels are real and positive as a consequence of PT symmetry. The quantum mechanical theory described by H is treated as a one-dimensional Euclidean quantum field theory. The two-point Green's function for this theory is investigated using perturbative and numerical techniques. The Ka¨llen–Lehmann representation for the Green's function is constructed, and it is shown that by virtue of PT symmetry the Green's function is entirely real. While the wave-function renormalization constant Z cannot be interpreted as a conventional probability, it still obeys a normalization determined by the commutation relations of the field. This provides strong evidence that the eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian are complete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The early Jurassic intrusive complex is chiefly made of monzodioritic porphyry in northern Anhui and northern Jiangsu, which emplaced in 191 Ma. The intrusive complexes contain a lot of eclogite inclusions which belong to eclogite and garnet-pyroxenite. The inclusions had undergone eclogite facies high-pressure metamorphism and amphibolite facies retrogressive metamorphism. The garnets in eclogite inclusions are mainly almandine varieties and clinopyroxenes are omphacite and augite. The mineral assemblage andP-T estimation results show thatP-T conditions of eclogite facies metamorphism and amphibolite facies retrogressive metamorphism are over 1.2–1.5 GPa, 709–861°C and 0.7–1.03 GPa, 666–738°C, respectively. The discovery of the high-pressure xenoliths not only is of important significance to understand the composition and structure of deep crust in southern edge of North China Platform, but also can be of important influence on realizing the subduction-collision-exhumation evolutional process of the Dabie-Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the discovery of eclogite inclusions in eastern China. Presence of monzodioritic porphyry in the early Jurassic intrusive complex in northern Anhui and northern Jiangsu, which emplaced in 191 Ma; Indication the intrusive complexes contain eclogite inclusions that belong to eclogite and garnet-pyroxenite; Evidence the inclusions underwent eclogite facies high-pressure metamorphism and amphibolite facies retrogressive metamorphism; Mention of almandine, as well as, omphacite and augite clinopyroxenes in garnets found in the eclogite inclusions; The mineral assemblage and P-T estimation results showing metamorphism conditions; Significance of the high-pressure xenoliths in understanding the composition and structure of deep crust in the North China Platform; Implication for understanding the subduction-collision-exhumation evolutional process of the Dabie-Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt.

Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) is upregulated in the tumor tissues in different types of cancer. However, the function of OLA1 and its molecular mechanisms in endometrial cancer (EC) remain unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate OLA1 expression level and its biological function in endometrial cancer. The differential expression of OLA1 between EC tissues and non-cancerous tissues was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and clinical samples. The association between clinicopathological characteristics and OLA1 expression was analyzed using bioinformatics analysis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were analyzed by short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown experiments, Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation, wound healing, Transwell and Boyden assays. The potential signaling pathways associated with OLA1 in endometrial cancer were evaluated by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. The expression levels of OLA1 in EC tissues were upregulated compared with that in non-cancerous tissues (P<0.001). Furthermore, patients with worse survival were found to have higher OLA1 expression, and increased OLA1 expression in endometrial cancer associated with clinical stage (P<0.01), histological type (P<0.01), histological grade (P<0.01), menstrual status (P<0.01), cancer status (P<0.05) and distant metastasis (P<0.05). In RL95-2 and HEC-1B cell lines, decreased levels of OLA1 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration, and the TGF-β signaling pathway, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and Wnt signaling pathway may be involved in these mechanisms. The present study revealed that OLA1 could be a potential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in endometrial cancer, and that the TGF-β signaling, Wnt signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways may be regulated by OLA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]