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Human physical activity monitoring plays a crucial role in promoting personalized health management. In this work, inspired by an ancient Chinese belt, a belt-type wearable sensor (BWS) based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is presented to monitor daily movements and collect the body motion mechanical energy. The developed BWS consists of a soft silicone sheet and systematically connected sensing units made from triboelectric polymer materials including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyamide (PA). A parameter study of the sensing units is firstly conducted to optimize the structure of BWS. The experimental studies indicate that the parameter-optimized BWS unit achieves a maximum output voltage of 47 V and a maximum current of 0.17 μA. A BWS with five sensing units is manufactured to record body movements, and it is able to distinguish different physical activities including stillness, walking, running, jumping, normal breathing, cessation of breathing, and deep breathing. In addition, the developed BWS successfully powers electronic devices including a smartphone, digital watch, and LED lights. We hope this work provides a new strategy for the development of wearable self-powered intelligent devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing text analysis through machine learning techniques, this study investigates the influence of enterprise digital transformation on audit opinions within China's A‐share listed companies spanning from 2011 to 2020. The findings underscore that enterprise digital transformation has the potential to bolster standard unqualified audit opinions through the enhancement of internal control quality and information transparency. Additionally, factors such as marketization level, property rights nature, and industry classification are found to be pivotal in shaping this relationship. These research outcomes not only extend the theoretical horizons of audit opinion studies but also offer valuable insights and recommendations for auditors to optimize the efficacy of audit opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiome is composed of various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and constitutes an important part of the human gut. Its composition is closely related to human health and disease. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease whose underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Recent research has shown that there are significant differences in the gut microbiota between AD patients and healthy individuals. Changes in the composition of gut microbiota may lead to the development of harmful factors associated with AD. In addition, the gut microbiota may play a role in the development and progression of AD through the gut–brain axis. However, the exact nature of this relationship has not been fully understood. Aims: This review will elucidate the types and functions of gut microbiota and their relationship with AD and explore in depth the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota in the occurrence of AD and the prospects for treatment strategies. Methods: Reviewed literature from PubMed and Web of Science using key terminologies related to AD and the gut microbiome. Results: Research indicates that the gut microbiota can directly or indirectly influence the occurrence and progression of AD through metabolites, endotoxins, and the vagus nerve. Discussion: This review discusses the future challenges and research directions regarding the gut microbiota in AD. Conclusion: While many unresolved issues remain regarding the gut microbiota and AD, the feasibility and immense potential of treating AD by modulating the gut microbiota are evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premise of electric vehicles (EVs) participating in the frequency regulation (FR) of power systems is to satisfy the charging demands of users. In view of problems such as the uncertainty of EV users' departure time and the increase in power supply pressure due to disordered charging in the frequency regulation process of EV clusters, a secondary frequency regulation control strategy with EVs considering user travel uncertainty is proposed. Firstly, EV charging history was analyzed, a reliability parameter was introduced to describe the user travel uncertainty, and an individual EV controllable domain model based on reliability correction was constructed. Then, EV clusters were grouped according to charging urgency and state of charge (SOC), and the controllable capacity of EV clusters was determined. Finally, EV frequency regulation capability parameters and charging urgency parameters were defined to determine the EV frequency regulation priority list, combined with the EV state grouping and priority list, and the EV cluster frequency control strategy was proposed. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy can satisfy the charging demands of users under uncertain travel conditions, reduce the power supply pressure of the power system caused by EVs entering the forced charging state, and effectively suppress frequency deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of controlling fragment branching in the dissociation and ionization channels of HD+ is theoretically explored by synthesized intense fields using 790 nm and 395 nm pulses. In the control scheme, the branching ratios of the fragments to different channels (H + D+, D + H+ and H+ + D+) are manipulated by regulating the relative phase and intensity between the 790 nm and 395 nm pulses. Altering the relative phase can induce constructive or destructive interference between the net two photon process and the direct one photon process, and the highest modulation reaches 80% between the two dissociation fragments (H + D+ and D + H+). The high selectivity of the ionization fragment (H+ + D+) is achieved by tuning the relative intensity, since the ionization rate is not only related to the internuclear distance, but also to the instantaneous intensity of field strength. The results demonstrate that the synthesized ω–2ω laser pulse can provide an efficient control over the strong-field fragments of HD+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is a promising energy cost-saving selection for depots that use electric vehicles (EVs) to deliver goods; however, the intermittency of power output renders it challenging to realize reliable and economical operations. This paper proposes a two-stage hierarchical operation management method of EVs for depots with on-site PV generation. In the day-ahead stage, considering real road networks and battery swapping mode, a coordinated scheduling model of delivery service and charging/discharging for EVs is constructed to minimize the overall energy cost and logistics delivery cost by using the forecasted PV power output. Moreover, an effective solution approach based on the natural aggregation algorithm and Floyd algorithm is developed for the model. In the actual operation stage, a model prediction control (MPC)-based rolling horizon operation strategy is proposed to correct EVs’ charging/discharging decisions with the realization of real-time PV power output, aiming at to minimize the deviation in the actual and day-ahead scheduled interactive power between the depot and upper grid. Finally, simulations are conducted to validate the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n-Dodecyl mercaptan (DDM) chain transfer agent and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) cross-linker were used to manipulate latex properties in a monomer-starved seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA), fluorine monomer dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) together with acrylic acid (AA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). The influences of both DDM and HDDA on the particle size of the latex, as well as on the gel content, thermostability (differential scanning calorimeter and thermal gravimetric analysis), surface properties (X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), contact angle analysis and atomic force microscopy), and viscoelasticity (N,N-dimethylacrylamide) of the polymer films were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of DDM and HDDA has no significant effects on the final particle size of the fluorinated pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) latexes. XPS analysis indicated that the fluoroalkyl groups had the tendency to enrich on the surface of the film. However, this enrichment of fluorine on the film surface was reduced after the introduction of HDDA, while increased with the addition of DDM. It was also found that the gel content, glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability, surface roughness, and modulus (G′, Gʺ) of the fluorinated latex PSA were all increased with the introduction of HDDA. Nevertheless, opposite trends were observed for the latex after the addition of DDM. Finally, the effects of DDM and HDDA on the adhesive properties (i.e. loop tack, peel strength and shear strength) of the fluorinated latex PSA were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sequenced the whole genomes of three mcr-1 -positive multidrug-resistant E. coli strains, which were previously isolated from the environment of egret habitat (polluted river) and egret feces. The results exhibit high correlation between antibiotic-resistant phenotype and genotype among the three strains. Most of the mobilized antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are distributed on plasmids in the forms of transposons or integrons. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) regions of high homology are detected on plasmids of different E. coli isolates. Therefore, horizontal transfer of resistance genes has facilitated the transmission of antibiotic resistance between the environmental and avian bacteria, and the transfer of ARGs have involved multiple embedded genetic levels (transposons, integrons, plasmids, and bacterial lineages). Inspired by this, systematic metadata analysis was performed for the available sequences of mcr-1 -bearing plasmids. Among these plasmids, IncHI2 plasmids carry the most additional ARGs. The composition of these additional ARGs varies according to their geographical distribution. The phylogenetic reconstruction of IncI2 and IncX4 plasmids provides the evidence for their multiregional evolution. Phylogenetic analysis at the level of mobile genetic element (plasmid) provides important epidemiological information for the global dissemination of mcr-1 gene. Highly homologous mcr-1 -bearing IncI2 plasmids have been isolated from different regions along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, suggesting that migratory birds may mediate the intercontinental transportation of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heuristic planning method of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station on a freeway considering the power flow constraints of the distribution network was proposed. Firstly, the spatial and temporal distribution of EV charging points was determined based on a spatial-temporal model (STM); then the charging demand of candidate fast charging stations was determined based on the Shared Nearest Neighbor (SNN) Clustering algorithm; finally, a heuristic principle was proposed to meet the power flow constraints of the distribution network and the final planning scheme (the location and capacity) was determined. A typical test system was used to verify the validity of the planning method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel planning method of fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on a round freeway was developed, considering the spatial and temporal transportation behaviors. A spatial and temporal model based on the origin-destination (OD) analysis was developed to obtain all the EV charging points (the location on the round freeway that an EV needs recharging due to the low battery capacity). Based on a shared nearest neighbor (SNN) clustering algorithm, a location determination model was developed to obtain the specific locations for EV charging stations with their service EV clusters. A capacity determination model based on the queuing theory was proposed to determine the capacity of each EV charging station. The round-island freeway in Hainan Island of China was employed as a test system to illustrate the planning method. Simulation results show that the developed planning method can not only accurately determine the most suitable locations for EV fast charging stations considering the travelling convenience of EV users, but also minimize the sum of waiting cost and charger cost. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study aimed to investigate whether VEGF was involved in bisphosphonate (BP)-induced apoptosis and differentiation of osteoblasts. Murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were stimulated with zoledronic acid (ZA) for 7 days. VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels were determined via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Cell viability was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. In addition, the cell apoptotic rate and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were measured using a TUNEL staining kit and western blot analysis, respectively. To evaluate mineralization, cells were stained with alizarin red, while the secretion levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured using the corresponding assay kit. Finally, the expression levels of differentiation-related proteins and proteins of the Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase 1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway were measured by western blot analysis. VEGF expression level was notably decreased in ZA-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells. However, the viability of these cells was enhanced following VEGF addition. Furthermore, VEGF attenuated apoptosis, promoted mineralization and increased ALP activity in ZA-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells. The ZA-mediated decrease in the protein expression of the osteogenic genes osteopontin, osteocalcin and runt-related transcription factor 2 was restored after MC3T3-E1 cell treatment with 10 ng/ml VEGF. The present study demonstrated that VEGF could attenuate BP-induced apoptosis and differentiation of MC3T3 cells by regulating the NLRP3/caspase 1/GSDMD pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TGF-β1 plays an important role on podocyte injury and glomerular diseases, while the underlying molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here, the potential role of the ion channel TRPC6 and the proximal signaling was explored in TGF-β1-treated mouse podocyte. Our results showed that TGF-β1 significantly increased podocyte apoptosis and induced obvious disorganization of actin filaments in a time-dependent pattern. In TGF-β1-treated podocyte, TRPC6 protein, especially the phosphorylated TRPC6, and the cytosolic free Ca2+ level upregulated, which was evidently inhibited by the specific knockdown of TRPC6. TRPC6 knockdown also alleviated TGF-β1-induced podocyte apoptosis. Moreover, the Src kinase Fyn increased obviously in TGF-β1-treated podocyte, displaying increment of the active form pY418 and reduction of the inactive form pY530. Immunoprecipitation assay revealed that Fyn interacts with TRPC6 in podocyte. Notably, Fyn knockdown blocked TRPC6 phosphorylation and intracellular Ca2+ increment following TGF-β1 stimulation, but not affect the expression of TRPC6 protein. In addition, Western blot showed that TGF-β1 induced significant activation of p-Smad3, p-ERK and RelA/p65. Importantly, obvious translocation of ERK and RelA/p65 to nuclei was observed in TGF-β1-treated podocyte, which was reduced by ERK inhibitor U0126. Both U0126 and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC obviously inhibited the increment of TRPC6 protein and the flux of cytosolic free Ca2+ induced by TGF-β1. Together, we provide evidences that TGF-β1 induces podocyte damage by upregulating TRPC6 protein most possibly through Smad3-ERK-NF-κB pathway, in which Fyn-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of TRPC6 might exert a crucial role on the activation of its channel function. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems have been used for the treatment of port-wine stains (PWS) for more than 10 years. Some of them have been reported in the treatment of laser-resistant PWS. Objective: To conduct a prospective trial to assess the efficiency and complications of a new IPL source in the treatment of PWS in Chinese patients. Methods: Thirty Chinese patients with PWS without previous treatment were recruited to receive IPL therapy for three to eight treatments at intervals of 4–5 weeks. There were 24 female and six male patients. Results: One hundred percent of patients showed more than 25% clearance, and 30% of the patients were able to achieve more than 75% clearance. About 70% of patients experienced 25–75% clearance, among them 53.33% of patients experienced 50–75% clearance. There were no long-term complications or side effects. Conclusion: The new IPL system can be safely used in treating PWS in Chinese patients of skin type IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean wave energy is one of the most promising green energies in the wild. However, it is still challenging to effectively collect wave energy due to its randomness and irregularity. In this work, a kelp inspired high‐power density triboelectric nanogenerator (K‐TENG) is presented for harvesting wave energy with characteristics in multiple directions. The proposed K‐TENG consists of a series of stacked leaf‐like units. The influence of configuration parameters, including pellet diameters, pellet numbers, unit sizes, oscillation frequency, swing amplitude, and wave directions on output performances of leaf‐like units, are extensively investigated. Experimental data indicates that a single leaf‐like unit can achieve a maximum output voltage of 623.14 V as well as a maximum current of 1.48 µA and realize energy harvesting from different wave directions. A K‐TENG composed of 15 leaf‐like units demonstrates a high‐power density of 18.77 W m−3 at a wave frequency of 2.5 Hz, which successfully powers a digital watch and 414 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). This work is hoped to provide a simple and reliable route to effectively harvest ocean wave energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory birds are potential transmitters of bacterial antibiotic resistance. However, their role in the environmental dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance and the extent of their impact on the environment are not yet clear. Qinghai Lake is one of the most important breeding and stopover ground for the migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. Here, we investigated the bacterial antibiotic resistance in the environment and among the migratory birds around the lake. The results of culture-based analysis of bacterial antibiotic resistance, quantitative PCR and metagenomic sequencing indicate that migratory birds are one major source of bacterial antibiotic resistance in the environment around Qinghai Lake. Network analysis reveals the co-occurrence patterns of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial genera. Genetic co-localization analysis suggests high co-selection potential (with incidence of 35.8%) among different ARGs, but limited linkage (with incidence of only 3.7%) between ARGs and biocide/metal resistance genes (BMRGs). The high genetic linkage between ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) is still largely confined to the bacterial community in migratory birds (accounting for 96.0% of sequencing reads of MGE-linked ARGs), which indicates limited horizontal transfer of ARGs to the environment. Nevertheless, the antibiotic resistance determinants carried by migratory birds and their specific genetic properties (high co-selection and mobility potential of the ARGs) remind us that the role of migratory birds in the environmental dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance deserves more attention. Unlabelled Image • Migratory birds are a major source of antibiotic resistance around Qinghai Lake. • Horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes is confined in migratory birds. • There is high co-selection potential between antibiotic resistance genes. • Migratory birds deserve more attention for spreading antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Catalytic HTL of Ulva prolifera was studied. • With MgO catalyst highest bio-oil was obtained (50.6 wt.%) under ethanol solvent. • The higher selectively esters compounds (62.2 %) was obtained. • The higher heating value (HHV) observed 34.2 MJ/kg for the catalytic HTL. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of macroalgae Ulva prolifera (UP) over various solids, basic, or acidic oxide and metal salt catalysts at different reaction temperature (260, 280 and 300 °C), reaction holding time (15, 30 and 45 min.) and solvents (water, ethanol and methanol) were investigated. The maximum bio-oil yield (35.1 wt.%) was obtained with metal MgO catalyst with water solvent compared to the acidic (Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2, and CeO 2), salt (MgCl 2 , FeCl 3, and CuCl 2) and other basic (CaO and CaCO 3) catalyst. When alcoholic solvent (ethanol and methanol) used, the bio-oil yield increased extensively, and highest bio-oil yield (50.6 wt.%) was observed with MgO catalyst in ethanol solvent. GC–MS, FT-IR, NMR, TGA, and CHNS were used for bio-oil characterization. The higher selectively ester compound 62.2 % was obtained with MgO under ethanol solvent. The higher carbon (60.8–66.2 %) and higher heating value (HHV) (30.2–34.2 MJ/kg) was observed in the case of catalytic liquefaction bio-oil compared to the non-catalytic reaction bio-oil. The results suggest that catalytic liquefaction has potential for quality bio-oil production. Also, the reusability of the optimum catalyst (MgO) was examined in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most promising renewable energies, wind energy is abundant in the natural environment. However, it is still challenging to effectively collect wind energy because of its variable wind speed and unpredictable direction. Here, a triboelectric nanogenerator, which is inspired by ancient Chinese wind bells, has been developed to collect energy from variable‐speed and multi‐directional wind. The wind‐bell‐inspired triboelectric nanogenerator (W‐TENG) has the capability to generate electricity even at a very low wind speed of 0.5 m s−1. Furthermore, it is able to harvest wind energy effectively from all directions (0–360 degrees). The parameter‐optimized W‐TENG achieves a maximum output voltage of 9.3 V and a maximum current of 0.63 µA. Electronic devices including a digital watch and 40 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are successfully powered by the designed W‐TENG, demonstrating its applicability. In this study, it is believed that a novel and effective strategy is provided to harvest energy from variable‐speed and multi‐directional wind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]