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Aims: Peripheral immune cells infiltrating into the brain trigger neuroinflammation after an ischemic stroke. Partial immune cells reprogram their function for neural repair. Which immune cells promote ischemic brain recovery needs further identification. Methods: We performed single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of CD45high immune cells isolated from the ischemic hemisphere at subacute (5 days) and chronic (14 days) stages after ischemic stroke. Results: A subset of phagocytic macrophages was associated with neuron projection regeneration and tissue remodeling. We also identified a unique type of T cells with highly expressed macrophage markers, including C1q, Apoe, Hexb, and Fcer1g, which showed high abilities in tissue remodeling, myelination regulation, wound healing, and anti‐neuroinflammation. Moreover, natural killer cells decreased cytotoxicity and increased energy and metabolic function in the chronic stage after ischemic stroke. Two subgroups of neutrophils upregulated CCL signals to recruit peripheral immune cells and released CXCL2 to keep self‐recruiting at the chronic stage. Conclusions: We identified subsets of peripheral immune cells that may provide potential therapeutic targets for promoting poststroke recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Diet is a modifiable metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) risk factor, but few studies have been conducted among Hispanic patients, despite the fact that MASLD prevalence and severity are highest among this ethnic subgroup. We aimed to identify prevalent dietary patterns among Hispanic patients using cluster analysis and to investigate associations with MASLD severity. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included 421 Harris County MASLD Cohort participants who self-reported Hispanic ethnicity and completed baseline food frequency questionnaires. All included patients had MASLD, diagnosed per standard clinical criteria. K-means analysis was used to identify clusters of patients sharing similar dietary habits. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression was used to estimate associations of dietary clusters with aminotransferases among the overall sample and with histologic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, and fibrosis among a subsample of patients who underwent liver biopsy within 6 months of their baseline food frequency questionnaire (n 5 186). RESULTS: We identified 2 clusters: a plant-food/prudent and a fast-food/meat pattern. The fast-food/meat pattern was associated with 2.47-fold increased odds (95% confidence interval 1.31--4.65) of more severe steatosis than the plant-food/prudent pattern after adjusting for demographics, metabolic score, physical activity, and alcohol (q 5 0.0159). No significant association was observed between diet and aminotransferases, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or fibrosis. DISCUSSION: Given the importance of sociocultural influences on diet, it is important to understand dietary patterns prevalent among Hispanic patients with MASLD. Using cluster analysis, we identified1plant-basedpattern vs 1 distinct fast-food/meat-based pattern associated with detrimental effects among our population. This information is an important starting point for tailoring dietary interventions for Hispanic patients withMASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate clinical structural variant (SV) calling is essential for cancer target identification and diagnosis but has been historically challenging due to the lack of ground truth for clinical specimens. Meanwhile, reduced clinical-testing cost is the key to the widespread clinical utility. Methods: We analyzed massive data from tumor samples of 476 patients and developed a computational framework for accurate and cost-effective detection of clinically-relevant SVs. In addition, standard materials and classical experiments including immunohistochemistry and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to validate the developed computational framework. Results: We systematically evaluated the common algorithms for SV detection and established an expert-reviewed SV call set of 1,303 tumor-specific SVs with high-evidence levels. Moreover, we developed a random-forest-based decision model to improve the true positive of SVs. To independently validate the tailored 'two-step' strategy, we utilized standard materials and classical experiments. The accuracy of the model was over 90% (92–99.78%) for all types of data. Conclusion: Our study provides a valuable resource and an actionable guide to improve cancer-specific SV detection accuracy and clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a circular flexible spherical joint to reduce the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost, and design a six-dimensional force sensor based on it. This paper analyzes the influence of the structural parameters of the flexible spherical joints on the accuracy of the six-dimensional force sensor by comparing the force mapping matrix of flexible spherical and ideal spherical joints. As the force mapping matrix is related to the stiffness matrix, the stiffness matrix of a six-dimensional force sensor based on a circular flexible spherical joint and the force mapping matrix of the generalized external force acting on the sensor was derived. Finally, a set of optimal parameters was selected to create a prototype and was verified through finite elements and experiments. The results show that the six-dimensional force sensor with a circular flexible spherical joint has good accuracy and provides some guidance for the design and analysis of the sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent liver disease, with the highest prevalence observed in the U.S. among Hispanic/Latino adults. While physical activity and dietary behaviors have established protective associations with NAFLD and its severity, these associations have not been well-characterized in Hispanic/Latino adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of lifestyle behaviors with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis in US Hispanic/Latino adults. We selected all Hispanic/Latino adults from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). NAFLD was defined as CAP ≥285 dB/m, and advanced fibrosis as liver stiffness measurements ≥8.6 kPa. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire), as well as diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2015) and total energy intake (24-hour recall) with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. In Hispanic/Latino adults, the overall prevalence of NAFLD was 41.5%, while the prevalence of advanced fibrosis among those with NAFLD was 17.2%. We found that higher levels of physical activity and high diet quality were associated with lower risk of NAFLD. Compared to those reporting on average 0 metabolic equivalent (MET) hours/week of physical activity, participants reporting high levels of physical activity (≥32 MET hours/week) had 40% lower risk of NAFLD (Adjusted OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.38, 0.93). High diet quality (HEI-2015) was associated with a 30% lower risk of NAFLD (Adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51, 0.97) and 72% lower risk of advanced fibrosis (Adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.12, 0.66), as compared to those with low diet quality. In this population-based study, high levels of physical activity and diet quality were associated with lower risk of NAFLD in Hispanic/Latino adults. Public health and medical professionals need to concentrate efforts on lifestyle behavior change in Hispanic/Latino adults who are at high risk for serious liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on an investigation of the operating performance and pollutant emission characteristics of a micro gas turbine combined cycle using biomass gas, replacing natural gas. The models of both recuperative cycle micro gas turbines with a waste heat utilization system and a micro gas-steam turbine combined cycle system are established. When the gas turbine works at 100 kW and the same types of fuel are burnt, the recuperative cycle system consumes less fuel than the gas-steam combined cycle system. The electric efficiency of the recuperative cycle system can reach more than 29%, which is higher than 24% of the gas-steam combined system. The combined cycle thermal efficiency of the recuperative system is as high as 66%, with 36% waste heat utilization efficiency. The electrical efficiency of the recuperative cycle system in the biomass gas case decreases, while that of the gas-steam combined cycle system undergoes little change. When the gas turbine power output increases from 50 kW to 100 kW, the electrical efficiency and combined cycle thermal efficiency increases, but the thermal efficiency of waste heat utilization of recuperative cycle decreases, the NOX and SO2 emissions gradually rise. Under the same working conditions, the NOX emissions of the recuperative cycle system are greater than that of the steam-gas combined cycle system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic's global scope and resulting social distancing measures have caused unprecedented economic, lifestyle, and social impacts to personal and relationship well-being. While lockdowns have prompted individuals to increase reliance on intimate partners for support, stressful external contexts can also interfere with partners' capacity to request and provide support, resulting in relationship dissatisfaction and even dissolution. Guided by a risk and resilience framework, this study examined the impact of perceived stress, social contextual factors, and dyadic coping on self-reported relationship satisfaction changes during the initial United States COVID-19 lockdown period. Participants were adults in romantic relationships who completed an online survey between April 13 and June 8, 2020. Overall, survey respondents (N = 1106) reported higher perceived stress levels than established population norms, and small but significant decrements in relationship satisfaction. Multivariable models revealed that higher perceived stress levels were associated with lower relationship satisfaction levels. Additionally, dyadic coping was found to moderate the impact of perceived stress on relationship satisfaction (B =.05, 95% CI =.02–.07), suggesting that engaging in dyadic coping buffered individuals from adverse effects of perceived stress on their relationships. Findings emphasize heightened stress experienced by individuals during the pandemic, potential detrimental effects of stress on couple relationships, and suggest dyadic coping may help buffer couples from adverse effects of the pandemic on their relationships. As such, dyadic coping may be an important target for future interventions designed to assist couples during the ongoing pandemic and future pandemics/natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to improve the operational safety of reinforced concrete-ribbed beam bridge decks and prolong their service life by performing fatigue analysis of deck slabs reinforced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and other materials. Based on a 16-m-span ribbed girder bridge, five test beams were designed: three reinforced (with CFRP cloth, CFRP mesh, and strip steel plates) and the remaining unreinforced. To simulate the real force of the bridge deck slabs, a PLS-500 electro-hydraulic servo dynamic and static test system was used and static load failure (monotonic graded loading) and fixed-point constant-amplitude fatigue loading tests (fatigue load of 0.515, loading frequency of 5 Hz) were performed. The main fatigue crack appeared when the number of load cycles exceeded 90% of the fatigue life. In the middle of fatigue, the reinforcement material can reduce the deterioration value of the bridge deck by approximately 50%. When it is reinforced at the cumulative damage degree of 0.4, its fatigue life extends by approximately 53.3–78.9%. The fatigue life of the bridge deck slabs reinforced with CFRP cloth or mesh was 22.1–25.6% more than that of those reinforced with strip steel plates. CFRP cloth is best suited for the reinforcement of bridge deck slabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On‐site quantitative detection provides the opportunity for accurate and timely health care, clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food analysis. A variety of portable electrochemical detection instruments have been developed at present for on‐site quantitative detection use, including commercially available portable potentiostats, but the reality is that these electrochemical detection devices still have the problem of narrow output voltage range and detection current range, and their performance of output voltage resolution and detection current resolution is still unsatisfactory. The narrow voltage or current range makes it difficult for some chemical reactions with peaks outside the range to proceed, and the insufficiency of voltage resolution and detection current resolution are key parameters restricting the detection accuracy of existing devices. In this regard, it is urgent to carry out partial transformation of the existing device to increase the use range and detection accuracy of the device. In the current work, a smartphone‐based electrochemical on‐site quantitative detection device was developed. The device comprises a portable small potentiostat, a smartphone equipped with a specially designed Android electrochemical detection application, and a disposable sensor (NiONP modified screen‐printed electrode [SPE]). The potentiostat can realize electrochemical detection methods, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and differential pulse voltammetry. In addition, the potentiostat can output a potential range −2.047∼+2.047 V with a current detection sensitivity scale 1×10−8∼1×10−3 A, and the current detection range could reach ±10 nA∼±10 mA. Most importantly, the current detection resolution of the potentiostat can reach 0.003 % (3.125 pA on ±10 nA range). The smartphone was used for communicating with the potentiostat, setting detection parameters, and mapping voltammograms in real time. The SPE was modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles and perfluorinated resin solution, which were employed as sensors to convert and amplify the electrochemical current response during the on‐site quantitative detection. Results indicated that the device features excellent performance for the lactate detection. The device covered a linear range 0.1∼30 mM on lactate detection with the correlation coefficient (R2) reaching 0.997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) empower insights into cell–cell crosstalk within specific tissues. However, customizable data analysis tools that decipher intercellular communication from gene expression in association with biological functions are lacking. The authors have developed InterCellDB, a platform that allows a user‐defined analysis of intercellular communication using scRNA‐seq datasets in combination with protein annotation information, including cellular localization and functional classification, and protein interaction properties. The application of InterCellDB in tumor microenvironment research is exemplified using two independent scRNA‐seq datasets from human and mouse and it is demonstrated that InterCellDB‐inferred cell–cell interactions and ligand–receptor pairs are experimentally valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAFLD can occur in non-obese individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Our goal was to examine the prevalence and clinical factors associated with non-obese NAFLD using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with controlled attenuation parameter which estimates steatosis and fibrosis among US adults. We aggregated data from the 2017–2018 cycle of NHANES and included adults (age ≥ 20 years) with BMI < 25 kg/m2 with complete data for the survey, medical examination, and VCTE along with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We excluded participants with risks of other liver diseases. We considered patients to have non-obese NAFLD if CAP was >285 dB/m, or non-obese NAFLD fibrosis if this CAP criteria was met and liver stiffness was >8.6 kPa. We calculated the adjusted OR and 95% CI for associations with non-obese NAFLD using multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of non-obese NAFLD was 6.2% and Asian Americans (12.2%) had the highest non-obese NAFLD prevalence. Clinical factors associated with non-obese NAFLD were advanced age and metabolic syndrome (ORadjusted = 6.8, 95% CI 3.0–15.5). In a separate model, we found elevated glucose (ORadjusted = 4.1, 95% CI 2.1–7.9), triglycerides (ORadjusted = 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.5), and truncal fat (100-unit increase ORadjusted = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.10) were associated with higher odds of non-obese NAFLD. Meanwhile, low physical activity (ORadjusted = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.1) was also positively associated with non-obese NAFLD. Non-obese NAFLD is prevalent in the US and is highly associated with metabolic conditions and syndrome. Our results support the importance of considering racial/ethnic differences when investigating NAFLD in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) empower insights into cell–cell crosstalk within specific tissues. However, customizable data analysis tools that decipher intercellular communication from gene expression in association with biological functions are lacking. The authors have developed InterCellDB, a platform that allows a user‐defined analysis of intercellular communication using scRNA‐seq datasets in combination with protein annotation information, including cellular localization and functional classification, and protein interaction properties. The application of InterCellDB in tumor microenvironment research is exemplified using two independent scRNA‐seq datasets from human and mouse and it is demonstrated that InterCellDB‐inferred cell–cell interactions and ligand–receptor pairs are experimentally valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As crude oil is an essential energy source, fluctuations in crude oil prices are crucial to economic development. Considering the great impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the financial market, we use the convolutional neural network (CNN) method to forecast oil prices with 24 price-related technical indicators, COVID-19 infections and the Baltic Dry Index (BDI). We further compare its prediction ability with traditional machine learning algorithms, including decision trees, support vector machines, and random forests. We find that the CNN has good forecasting ability both before and after the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BDI and COVID-19 epidemic-related indicators improved the model forecast accuracy from 2.2 to 10.99%. We show that the CNN could achieve good performance for oil price forecasting during the COVID-19 period.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The immune cell compartment of the mammalian brain changes dramatically and peripheral T cells infiltrate the brain parenchyma during normal aging. However, the mechanisms underlying age-related T cell infiltration in the central nervous system remain unclear. Results: Chronic inflammation and peripheral T cell infiltration were observed in the subventricular zone of aged mice. Cell-cell interaction analysis revealed that aged microglia released CCL3 to recruit peripheral CD8+ memory T cells. Moreover, the aged microglia shifted towards a pro-inflammation state and released TNF-α to upregulate the expression of VCAM1 and ICAM1 in brain venous endothelial cells, which promoted the transendothelial migration of peripheral T cells. In vitro experiment reveals that human microglia would also transit to a chemotactic phenotype when treated with CSF from the elderly. Conclusions: Our research demonstrated that microglia play an important role in the aging process of brain by shifting towards a pro-inflammation and chemotactic state. Aged microglia promote T cell infiltration by releasing chemokines and upregulating adhesion molecules on venous brain endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common in the adult population. In the United States, the overall burden of NAFLD is unknown due to challenges with population-level NAFLD detection. The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence of NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis and identify factors associated with them in the U.S. Methods: Data came from the 2017–2018 cycle of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We defined NAFLD by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores of ≥248 dB/m in absence of excessive alcohol use and viral hepatitis. We defined significant fibrosis as Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) liver stiffness measurements (LSM) value ≥7.9 kPa. We calculated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential intervals (CI) for associations with NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, among 4,024 individuals aged ≥20 years included in the analysis, 56.7% had NAFLD by CAP. In comparison, when defined by elevated liver enzymes, NAFLD prevalence was 12.4%. The prevalence of significant NAFLD fibrosis by VCTE LSM was 14.5%. NAFLD prevalence increased with age, was higher among men than women and among Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites. Individuals who were obese, had metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes were more likely to have NAFLD compared to those that who were not obese or without MetS/diabetes. Inadequate physical activity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18–2.08) was also a factor associated with NAFLD. MetS, high waist circumstance, diabetes and hypertension were independently associated with significant NAFLD fibrosis. Conclusions: NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis are highly prevalent in U.S. general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Cocrystal has been discovered and studied for more than 170 years since 1844, while the applications to optoelectronics only begin in the last decade. Several general questions that chemists and materials scientists currently seek to answer are: can we design and control the molecular self-assembly and cocrystal growth, what's the packing-property correlations, as well as how can we improve device parameters for real applications in industry. In this contribution, we review our and other groups' recent advances in the cocrystal research field sequentially including: (1) nucleation and growth mechanisms for selective preparation of cocrystals with different donor/acceptor ratio and morphology; (2) charge transport and electronic devices, particularly field-effect transistor (FET) and photo-response device. We discuss the in - situ single crystal device fabrication method, ambipolar charge transport, and molecular packing-charge separation correlation; (3) photonic and optical property, focusing on optical waveguide, photonic logic computation, and nonlinear optics (NLO). We present unusual optical properties revealed by advanced instruments and general structure-function relations for future study. Importantly, the extensive investigations described herein yield in-depth and detailed understandings of molecular cocrystals, and show that such bi-component material systems together with the developed instrument measurement methodologies have the potential to initiate unconventional electronic and photonic science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) may be beneficial for men with localized prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS) because of its anti‐inflammatory, antilipidemic, and chemopreventive properties. This study prospectively investigated adherence to the MD with Gleason score progression and explored associations by diabetes status, statin use, and other factors. Methods: Men with newly diagnosed PCa on an AS protocol (n = 410) completed a baseline food frequency questionnaire, and the MD score was calculated across 9 energy‐adjusted food groups. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to evaluate multivariable‐adjusted associations of the MD score with progression‐free survival; progression was defined as an increase in the Gleason grade group (GG) score over a biennial monitoring regimen. Results: In this cohort, 15% of the men were diabetic, 44% of the men used statins, and 76 men progressed (median follow‐up, 36 months). After adjustments for clinical factors, higher adherence to the MD was associated with a lower risk of GG progression among all men (hazard ratio [HR] per 1‐unit increase in MD score, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77‐1.01), non‐White men (HR per 1‐unit increase in MD score, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45‐0.92; P for interaction =.07), and men without diabetes (HR per 1‐unit increase in MD score, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.96; P for interaction =.03). When joint effects of the MD score and statin use were examined, a similar risk reduction was observed among men with high MD scores who did not use statins in comparison with men with low/moderate MD scores with no statin use. Conclusions: The MD is associated with a lower risk of GG progression in men on AS, and this is consistent with prior reports about the MD and reduced cancer morbidity and mortality. The association of Mediterranean diet adherence and grade group progression was evaluated in a prospective cohort of patients with localized prostate cancer managed according to a clinical protocol. Mediterranean diet adherence may be associated with improved progression‐free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) are the basic elements of organic circuits towards flexible, printable, and wearable electronics. Low‐energy‐consumption OFETs with high mobility are the prerequisite for practical applications. After 30 years of development, OFETs have progressed rapidly, from field‐effect materials to devices, and from individual device to small‐ and medium‐scale integration. Here, a brief retrospective of OFETs' development over the past decades, and the emerging opportunities and challenges from device physics, multifunctional materials to integrated application are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A model of biomass gasification coupled with coal-fired boiler is proposed. • The performance of the coupled system at various loads is studied. • The coupled system efficiency reaches 84% at optimum conditions for various boiler loads. • The maximum reductions of NO and SO 2 emissions reach 5.99% and 16.80% respectively. • An efficient utilization method for straw in a coal-fired power plant is provided. The utilization of agricultural wastes in existing pulverized coal power plants is an attractive option to alleviate environmental pollution and reduce over-exploitation of fossil fuels. A coupled system model of biomass gasification coupled to a coal-fired boiler is established in Aspen Plus and successfully validated by experimental data. A 20 t/h straw gasifier operates at the rated capacity and the straw gas is introduced to the boiler running at different loads. The co-firing ratio increases with the reduction of boiler load. Results indicate that the main parameters, such as furnace combustion temperature, flue gas temperature, and NO and SO 2 emission decrease with the reduction of boiler load. Compared to pure coal combustion, co-firing can reduce the furnace combustion temperature and increase the flue gases temperature. More importantly, the coal consumption, and NO and SO 2 emissions are reduced at all loads, especially at lower loads. The excess air ratio should be adjusted to obtain the optimum combustion performance in the furnace, but there is still a slight drop of around 0.2% in boiler efficiency when co-firing. Meanwhile, the coupled system efficiency at various loads can reach slightly more than 84% under optimum conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their advantages, including easy tunability of optical and electrical properties by tailoring the molecular structure, flexibility, and compatibility with a low-temperature fabricating process, the use of organic semiconductors (OSCs) as active layers has shown strong competitiveness as candidates for use in next-generation high-sensitivity organic photodetectors (OPDs). Infrared (IR) OPDs that are sensitive to illumination at wavelengths higher than 780 nm have been rapidly developed in recent years driven by potential applications such as remote control, night vision, and imaging as well as biomedical monitoring. In this review, after a brief illustration of the mechanisms, we summarize the recent advances in high-performance IR organic photodiodes (OPDIs) and organic phototransistors (OPTs). We will highlight the state-of-the-art protocols for constructing qualified IR OPDs, including new OSCs with excellent photoelectric properties, optimization of active-layer-fabrication processes, and novel device architectures. Thereafter, we will discuss the IR organic light detector as a platform for integrated applications, such as health monitoring, spectrometric analysis, and electronic eyes. This review aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the design of future IR OPDs and IR-OPD-based integrated practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to master the air flow distribution law in the driving face forced with long duct fan accompanied with short duct exhauster during wall-attached jet dust control, the physical simulation tests were carried out in the laboratory under three conditions: only forced ventilation; both forced fan and dust collector fan opened; forced fan, wall-attached duct and dust collector fan all opened. The results showed that, after wall-attached jet dust control, the air flow distribution in the excavating area of roadway is more uniform than that when only the forced fan is opened, and both the forced fan and the dust collector fan are opened, and the airflow speed distribution uniformity coefficient K 0 at the roadway section 3 m from the excavating face increased from 0.68 and 0.70 to 0.83, with an increase of 15% compared with that when only the forced fan was opened, which could facilitate the control of dust dispersion of driving face, so as to improve the dust removal efficiency of dust collector fan; within the area 15 m from the excavating face, the airflow speed near the excavating face was the maximum when only the forced fan was opened, and both the forced fan and the dust collector fan were opened, and it was gradually decreased with the increase of the distance from the excavating face, but in some positions, it increased first, and then decreased gradually after reaching the maximum at the position 3 m from the excavating face; when the forced fan, the wall-attached duct and the dust collector were all opened, the airflow speed from the air outlet of wall-attached duct to the excavating face changed slightly; when only the forced fan was opened, there was an eddy zone within 8 m in the front of excavating face; when the forced fan, the wall-attached duct and the dust collector fan were all opened, there were two eddy zones within 0–8 m and 8–15 m from the excavating face. Unlabelled Image • The air flow distribution is more uniform by wall-attached jet dust control. • When only the forced fan was opened, there was an eddy zone within 8 m in the front of excavating face. • There were two eddy zones the front of excavating face by all-attached jet dust control. • The wall-attached jet dust control could improve the dust removal efficiency of dust collector fan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mouse and human studies support the promise of dry beans to improve metabolic health and to lower cancer risk. In overweight/obese patients with a history of colorectal polyps or cancer, the Beans to Enrich the Gut microbiome vs. Obesity's Negative Effects (BE GONE) trial will test whether and how an increase in the consumption of pre-cooked, canned dry beans within the context of usual diet and lifestyle can enhance the gut landscape to improve metabolic health and reduce cancer risk.Methods/design: This randomized crossover trial is designed to characterize changes in (1) host markers spanning lipid metabolism, inflammation, and obesity-related cancer risk; (2) compositional and functional profiles of the fecal microbiome; and (3) host and microbial metabolites. With each subject serving as their own control, the trial will compare the participant's usual diet with (intervention) and without (control) dry beans. Canned, pre-cooked dry beans are provided to participants and the usual diet continually assessed and monitored. Following a 4-week run-in and equilibration period, each participant provides a total of 5 fasting blood and 6 stool samples over a total period of 16 weeks. The intervention consists of a 2-week ramp-up of dry bean intake to 1 cup/d, which is then continued for an additional 6 weeks. Intra- and inter-individual outcomes are assessed across each crossover period with consideration of the joint or modifying effects of the usual diet and baseline microbiome.Discussion: The BE GONE trial is evaluating a scalable dietary prevention strategy targeting the gut microbiome of high-risk patients to mitigate the metabolic and inflammatory effects of adiposity that influence colorectal cancer risk, recurrence, and survival. The overarching scientific goal is to further elucidate interactions between diet, the gut microbiome, and host metabolism. Improved understanding of the diet-microbiota interplay and effective means to target these relationships will be key to the future of clinical and public health approaches to cancer and other major diet- and obesity-related diseases.Trial Registration: This protocol is registered with the U.S. National Institutes of Health trial registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, under the identifier NCT02843425. First posted July 25, 2016; last verified January 25, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of fault diagnosis and classification of rolling bearing and gear of gearboxes, a novel method based on matrix distance features of Gramian angular field (GAF) image is proposed based on sliding window compressible GAF transformation. The method converts the one-dimensional fault signal into a two-dimensional feature matrix and constructs the discrimination matrix of each fault category by establishing the mean value of the feature matrix of a priori samples. For the new sampled signal, after converting it into a two-dimensional feature matrix, the feature matrix is obtained. The fault classification is carried out by using the matrix distance between feature matrix and the discrimination matrix of each category. The method is validated by the test data of Case Western Reserve University and the acoustic emission data from a gearbox test bench. The classification accuracy is 99.17% and 95.71%, which presented the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Arundo donax Linnaeus was utilized as the biomass and a TH/DS (Tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide/Dimethyl sulfoxide, C16H37NO/C2H6OS) system was employed to dissolve biomass cellulose. The optimal process for the preparation of Arundo donax L. biomass regenerated cellulose fiber was determined through process optimization. The physical properties and antimicrobial performance of the resulting products were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the physical indicators of biomass regenerated cellulose fiber, prepared from Arundo donax L. cellulose, met the requirements of the standard for Viscose Filament (Dry breaking strength ≥ 1.65 CN/dtex, Elongation at dry breaking 15.5–26.0%, and Dry elongation CV value ≤ 10.0%). Additionally, excellent antimicrobial properties were exhibited by the biomass regenerated cellulose fiber developed in this study, with antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus and other three strain indexes meeting the Viscose Filament standards. Furthermore, high antiviral activity of 99.99% against H1N1 and H3N2 strains of influenza A virus was observed in the experimental samples, indicating a remarkable antiviral effect. Valuable references for the comprehensive utilization of Arundo donax L. biomass resources are provided by this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable efforts have been made to determine spatial and temporal patterns and the driving factors for reference evapotranspiration (RET) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Yet, how temporal trends of RET vary with respect to elevation is less clear. By using long‐term daily meteorological records of 84 stations from 1971 to 2015, this study investigates the elevation dependence of RET trend over the TP. The results show that both increasing and decreasing trends of RET for the study period exist over the TP. The increasing and decreasing trends of RET have significant correlations with elevation, but the absolute changes become smaller in the higher elevation ranges at both the annual and seasonal scales. This is due to the elevation‐dependent changes of climate factors, including vapour pressure deficit, mean air temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed, which demonstrate different relationships with elevation. A multivariate linear regression method was used to determine the contributions of the climate factors to RET changes, which indicates that vapour pressure deficit and solar radiation were the primary contributing factors to the increasing trend of RET and wind speed mainly influenced the decreasing trend. This elevation dependence of RET change‐rate has important implications for water resources and ecosystems over the TP as well as other high‐elevation regions, where much of the globe's glacier and snow surfaces are stored. Both the increasing and decreasing changes of RET have significant correlations with the elevation which is observed in the Tibetan Plateau, and stations in the high‐elevation ranges showed smaller increasing or decreasing changes of RET than those at the lower elevations for both the annual and seasonal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for simultaneous determination of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde in gas phase of cigarette mainstream smoke by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Gas phase components of mainstream cigarette smoke were extracted with methanol, and then the samples were separated on a DB 624 (60 m, 0.32 mm x 1.8 mm) column, analyzed with headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and quantified by isotope internal standard. The linearities of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde were good (R2>0.992). The recoveries of acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acrolein, and crotonaldehyde were between 78.5% and 115%. The relative standard deviations were less than 10%. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation were 0.014 μg/cigarette ~0.12 μg/cigarette and 0.045 μg/cigarette ~0.38 μg/cigarette, respectively. The method had advantage of high sensitivity, it did not require derivatization of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and avoided a large number of adverse reactions during the process of derivation to improve the accuracy of result, and it was suitable for quantitative analysis of four aldehydes in gas phase of cigarette mainstream smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The minor alkaloids in tobacco play an important role in the chemical composition of cigarette smoke, and they are precursors of tobacco‐specific nitrosamines (4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone (NNK), N‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN), N‐nitrosoanabasine (NAB) and N‐nitrosoanatabine (NAT)). NNN and NNK are classified as group 1 carcinogens. A method quantitating both tobacco minor alkaloids and tobacco‐specific nitrosamines in mainstream smoke has not been reported. Methods: Tobacco minor alkaloids and tobacco‐specific nitrosamines in cigarette mainstream smoke were extracted by sonication. The extract was cleaned up by dispersive solid‐phase extraction, and separation was achieved via ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem orbitrap mass spectrometry. Results: The method was validated by analysis of six replicate samples spiked with three levels of the analyses. The mean recoveries for the six replicates were from 84.7% to 118% with less than 15% relative standard deviation except myosmine at the low spiked level and the calculated detection limits were 0.066 to 13.2 ng/cig, respectively. The mean concentrations of nicotyrine, anabasine, nornicotine, anatabine, myosmine, 2,3‐bipyridine, cotinine, nicotelline, N‐formylnornicotine, NNK, NNN, NAB and NAT in 30 different brands of commercial cigarette smoke under the ISO smoking regimen were 2.50 μg/cig, 2.34 μg/cig, 3.21 μg/cig, 5.78 μg/cig, 2.83 μg/cig, 1.05 μg/cig, 1.55 μg/cig, 0.55 μg/cig, 2.48 μg/cig, 6.06 ng/cig, 3.62 ng/cig, 0.40 ng/cig and 6.15 ng/cig, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed method was suitable for analysis of tobacco minor alkaloids and tobacco‐specific nitrosamines in cigarette mainstream smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic and temporal changes in tobacco leaf metabolites can have an immense impact on their compositions, which are closely related to the quality and flavor of the tobacco leaves. To investigate the dynamic changes in metabolites during tobacco growth and development and the diversity of metabolites in tobacco leaves from different stalk positions, a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method with derivatization was developed to profile tobacco leaves. A hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) enabled the assignment of five types of tobacco leaves (the middle leaves in the resettling, vigorous, maturity stage and lower, and upper leaves in the maturity stage) to different groups. The differences among the samples at different growth stages are much more obvious than those from different sampling positions. Using the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model, the metabolites with distinct differences were screened out. During tobacco development, the contents of the metabolites related to sugar metabolism, amino acid metabolism, shikimic acid metabolism and terpenoid metabolism all increased at first and then decreased, while the contents of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, such as citric acid and fumaric acid, both decreased at first and then increased. The alkaloid contents increased significantly throughout the developmental period, and the metabolite contents related to organic acid decreased significantly during the maturity stage. Among the tobacco leaves from different stalk positions in the maturity stage, the sugar contents were highest in the middle leaves, while the organic acid contents were highest in the lower leaves. In addition, the nicotine, chlorogenic acid and α-4,8,13-duvatriene-1,3-diol contents were highest in the upper leaves. Apart from insights into the metabolite changes that occurred during tobacco leaf development, these results also provide potentially valuable information for regulating the primary metabolites in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new derivate of tetracene (DTTA) was synthesized and characterized. From the UV spectrum, compound DTTA showed more stability than rubrene towards photo–oxidization in solid state. The increased stability of DTTA could be explained by the lower energy level of HOMO. Crystal structure is similar to that of rubrene, and based on the calculated results from the Pw91pw91/6-31 g software, good performance of DTTA is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sparse planting crops, soil surface plays an important role in energy balance processes within the soil-canopy-atmosphere continuum; thus, it is necessary to partition field energy fluxes into soil surface and canopy to provide useful information to reduce agricultural water use and to develop evapotranspiration models. Field experiments were conducted in vineyards during four growing seasons to examine the energy partitioning among soil surface, canopy, and field separately. Vineyard energy fluxes including latent heat (LE) were measured by eddy covariance system and canopy latent heat LE c was obtained from sap flow. Then, soil surface latent heat LE s was calculated as the difference between LE and LE c. The Bowen ratio and the ratio of latent heat to available energy were used to examine energy partitioning. Results indicate daily and hourly LE s obtained from LE and LE c overestimated microlysimeter-derived values by 13.0% and 10.8%, respectively. Seasonal-average latent heat accounted for 59.0%-64.3%, 65.8%-77.8%, and 56.6%-62.5% of corresponding available energy for vineyard, canopy, and soil surface, respectively. Soil water content and canopy were the main controlling factors on energy partitioning. Surface soil moisture explained 32%, 11%, and 52% of the seasonal variability in energy partitioning at field, canopy, and soil surface, respectively. Leaf area index explained 41% and 26% of the seasonal variability in energy partitioning at field and soil surface. Air temperature was related to canopy and field energy partitioning. During wet periods, soil can absorb sensible heat from the canopy and LE s may exceed soil surface available energy, while during dry periods, the canopy may absorb sensible heat from the soil and LE c may exceed canopy available energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-69 with topology of GME has been synthesized successfully via a facile hydrothermal synthetic method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ethane/ethylene separation potential was measured by single-component adsorption isotherms, and the selectivity was calculated based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST). SEM and TEM images confirmed that the as-synthesized seeds possessed a well-crystallized and uniform morphology, appearing as a flat hexagonal prism with double hexagonal pyramid heads. The obtained ZIF-69 exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of C 2 H 6 over C 2 H 4 at 100 kPa, and the C 2 H 6 /C 2 H 4 adsorption selectivity was about 1.7 at below 100 kPa. The outcome would provide a new insight into the study on the effective separation of ethane/ethylene using different topological structures of ZIFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents low-cost and recyclable activated carbon (XLAC) derived from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge hull for high-efficiency adsorption of Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions in industrial wastewater. XLAC was prepared through H3PO4 activation and was characterized using N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In single-metal-system adsorption experiments, the maximum adsorption capacities for Cd(II) and Hg(II) obtained under different experimental conditions were 388.7 and 235.6 mg·g−1, respectively. All adsorption equilibrium data fit perfectly with the Langmuir isotherm model. In a binary metal system, competitive studies demonstrated that the presence of Cd(II) significantly decreased the adsorption of Hg(II), but the adsorption of Cd(II) showed a little change in the presence of Hg(II). In addition, XLAC can be regenerated with a 0.01 mol·L−1 HNO3 solution and reused at least four times. The FTIR spectra revealed that a chemical interaction occurs between functional groups containing lone electron pairs in XLAC and metal ions. Overall, these results suggest that XLAC may be suitable as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the flammability of flexible polyurethane (FPU) foams, the graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet filled coatings were deposited on the surface of the FPU foam via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method. This consisted of the preparation of the GO using the modified Hummers' method. The coated FPU foams were then prepared by alternatively submerging the foam into a chitosan solution (0.5 %), a GO suspension (0.1 %), and an alginate solution (0.3 %) until the desired number of trilayers was deposited on the surface of the FPU foam. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that GO-filled coating was evenly distributed on the surface of substrate. Thermogravimetric analysis of the coated FPU foams suggested that the high mass of char residue can be obtained. The cone calorimeter test results of the coated FPU foams showed a reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR), peak smoke production rate (SPR), total smoke release (TSR), and peak carbon monoxide (CO) production can be obtained in comparison to the control. In particular, the sample assembled with 10 trilayers had a 8.31 wt % coating mass, which lead to a significant reduction in the peak HRR (59.9 %), peak SPR (45.6 %), TSR (30.5 %), and peak CO production (54.0 %). Such a significant improvement in flame retardancy suggested that the GO nanosheet is a good candidate as a flame-retardant LbL coating to reduce the flammability of FPU foam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the inter-day effects of price limits policies that are employed in agent-based simulations. To isolate the impact of price limits from the impact of other factors, we built an artificial stock market with higher frequency price limits hitting. The trading mechanisms in this market are the same as the trading mechanisms in China’s stock market. Then, we designed a series of simulations with and without price limits policy. The results of these simulations demonstrate that both upper and lower price limits can cause a volatility spillover effect and a trading interference effect. The process of price discovery will be delayed if upper price limits are imposed on a stock market; however, this phenomenon does not occur when lower price limits are imposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette smoke condensate was developed and validated. Compared with previously reported methods, this method has lower limits of detection (0.04-1.35 ng/cig). Additionally, the proposed method saves time, reduces the number of separation steps, and reduces the quantity of solvent needed. The new method was applied to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content in 213 commercially available cigarettes in China, under the International Standardization Organization smoking regime and the Health Canadian intense smoking regime. The results showed that the total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content was more than two times higher in samples from the Health Canadian intense smoking regime than in samples from the International Standardization Organization smoking regime (1189.23 versus 2859.50 ng/cig, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the concentration of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) increased with labeled tar content in both of the tested smoking regimes. There was a positive correlation between total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under the International Standardization Organization smoking regime with that under the Health Canadian intense smoking regime. The proposed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method is satisfactory for the rapid, sensitive, and accurate quantitative evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content in cigarette smoke condensate, and it can be applied to assess potential health risks from smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater plays a key role in maintaining the ecology and environment in the hyperarid Qaidam Basin (QB). Indirect evidence and data from sparse observation wells suggest that groundwater in the QB is increasing but there has been no regional assessment of the groundwater conditions in the entire basin because of its remoteness and the severity of the arid environment. Here we report changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of terrestrial water storage (TWS) in the northern Tibetan Plateau (NTP) using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data. Our study confirms long-term (2003–2012) TWS increases in the NTP. Between 2003 and 2012 the TWS increased by 88.4 and 20.6 km3 in the NTP and the QB, respectively, which is 225% and 52% of the capacity of the Three Gorges Reservoir, respectively. Soil and water changes from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) were also used to identify groundwater storage in the TWS and to demonstrate a long-term increase in groundwater storage in the QB. We demonstrate that increases in groundwater, not lake water, are dominant in the QB, as observed by groundwater levels. Our study suggests that the TWS increase was likely caused by a regional increase in precipitation and a decrease in evaporation. Degradation of the permafrost increases the thickness of the active layers providing increased storage for infiltrated precipitation and snow and ice melt water, which may also contribute to the increased TWS. The huge increase of water storage in the NTP will have profound effects, not only on local ecology and environment, but also on global water storage and sea level changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant found in tobacco smoke. In vivo, BD is mainly metabolized to form monohydroxybutenylmercapturic acid (MHBMA) and N -acetyl- S -(3, 4-dihydroxybutyl) cysteine (DHBMA). The accurate quantification of MHBMA and DHBMA in urine may provide important insights into the actual internal exposure of the general population to BD. 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is the biomarker of oxidative damage. In this study, a column-switching LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of MHBMA, DHBMA derived from BD exposure and 8-OHdG in human urine. Urine samples were loaded on a LiChrospher ® RP-8 ADS (25 μm) 25 × 4 mm RAM column for the extraction and clean-up of analytes. The separation was achieved using a SUPELCO ® LC-18-DB column (75 mm × 3.0 mm, 3 μm). The analytes were ionized in negative electrospray ionization mode and analyzed in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Under optimum conditions, recoveries ranged from 78.9% to 101.7%, with relative standard deviations less than 11%. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.15 to 0.27 ng/mL, highlighting the high sensitivity of this simple method. The validated method was successfully applied to analysis urine samples from 56 non-smokers and 233 smokers who smoked cigarettes with 3 different tar yields. There was a correlation between urinary MHBMA, DHBMA and 8-OHdG. This method did not require any preparation process and efficiently removed interference from the matrix by using column-switching. The developed method is applicable to epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBaP), and 3-hydroxybenz[a]anthracene (3-OHBaA) in human urine has been developed. With the exception of 3-OHBaP at a low spiking level, the average recoveries were greater than 80%. The method has good accuracy (72.1–107.7%) and reproducibility (1.8–11.4%) and was successfully used to study the uptake of pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[a]anthracene from cigarette smoke. The results indicated that urinary 1-OHP concentration in the smoking group (66.58 ± 70.91 ng/g creatinine) was higher than that observed in the nonsmoking group (58.16 ± 49.48 ng/g creatinine). Urinary 3-OHBaA concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers with 8 mg and 10 mg tar cigarettes were 10.98 ± 4.39 ng/g creatinine, 11.01 ± 13.30 ng/g creatinine, and 9.17 ± 12.89 ng/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary 3-OHBaP concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers with 8 mg and 13 mg tar cigarettes were 1.30 ± 0.20 ng/g creatinine, 2.83 ± 1.78 ng/g creatinine, and 6.00 ± 4.44 ng/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary 1-OHP levels exhibited a significant correlation with BaP yield in cigarette smoke under the Canadian intense smoking condition (y=3.5563x+30.171, R2=0.9916, n=227). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and inexpensive lignocellulose/montmorillonite (LNC/MMT) nanocomposite was prepared by a chemical intercalation of LNC into MMT and was subsequently investigated as an adsorbent in batch systems for the adsorption-desorption of Ni(II) ions in an aqueous solution. The optimum conditions for the Ni(II) ion adsorption capacity of the LNC/MMT nanocomposite were studied in detail by varying parameters such as the initial Ni(II) concentration, the solution pH value, the adsorption temperature and time. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of Ni(II) reached 94.86 mg/g at an initial Ni(II) concentration of 0.0032 mol/L, a solution pH of 6.8, an adsorption temperature of 70°C, and adsorption time of 40 min. The represented adsorption kinetics model exhibited good agreement between the experimental data and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm equation best fit the experimental data. The structure of the LNC/MMT nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the adsorption mechanism was discussed in combination with the results obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses (FTIR). The desorption capacity of the LNC/MMT nanocomposite depended on parameters such as HNO3 concentration, desorption temperature, and desorption time. The satisfactory desorption capacity of 81.34 mg/g was obtained at a HNO3 concentration, desorption temperature, and desorption time of 0.2 mol/L, 60 ºC, and 30 min, respectively. The regeneration studies showed that the adsorption capacity of the LNC/MMT nanocomposite was consistent for five cycles without any appreciable loss in the batch process and confirmed that the LNC/MMT nanocomposite was reusable. The overall study revealed that the LNC/MMT nanocomposite functioned as an effective adsorbent in the detoxification of Ni(II)-contaminated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylonitrile, acrolein, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and crotonaldehyde are hazard volatile organic compounds in tobacco smoke, which can be metabolized to mercapturic acids (MAs) excreted in urine. MAs are can be regarded as important and specific biomarkers to evaluate exposure to those carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. A simultaneous determination of N-acetyl-S-2-cyanoethyl-cysteine (CEMA), 3-hydroxypropyl)- l -cysteine (3-HPMA), N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)- l -cysteine (DHBMA), N-acetyl-S-(phenyl)- l -cysteine (SPMA) and 3-hydroxy-1-methylpropylmercapturic acid (HMPMA) derived from five volatile organic compounds by column-switching LC–MS/MS has been described. MAs were concentrated and cleaned up by an online reusable pre-column packed with restricted access material. The intra- and inter-day precisions of the method ranged from 0.7% to 15.2%. The LODs was 0.013–0.053 ng/mL. The recovery of the whole analytical procedure ranged from 79.3% to 116%. After validation, this method was successfully applied to urine samples from smokers ( n = 246) and nonsmokers ( n = 58). The results showed MAs in urine from smokers were significantly higher than that in nonsmoker except for SPMA. Urinary CEMA significantly correlated with 3-HPMA ( r = 0.763, P < 0.0001) and HMPMA ( r = 0.910, P < 0.0001). CEMA, 3-HPMA and HMPMA are potential biomarkers to distinguish the differences between smokers and nonsmokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The best modification method of KH550 modified GO was determined. • MGO60 can be evently dispersed into cement slurry. • The influence of GO and MGO on the micro morphology of cement was studied, and their reinforcement mechanism on cement-based composites was revealed. In this study, the effect of the incorporation of GO and KH550 modified GO(MGO) on the microstructure, mechanical properties and hydration process of the cement-based composites has been discussed. It is observed that the MGO surface is grafted with the functional groups, which reduce the interlayer force, thus, the dispersibility in the cement paste is improved. In addition, compared with GO, the addition of MGO can further promote the hydration of cement, and optimize the content of the various hydration products owing to no impact on the types of the hydration products, thus, make the microstructure of the cement more uniform. At the same time, the incorporation of MGO can refine the CH crystal size, reduce the total porosity of the cement material, and promote the conversion of harmful pores to harmless pores, thus, making the cement-based materials more compact and effectively improving the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a well-known carcinogenic compound produced from incomplete combustion of organic compounds. During cigarette smoking, cigarette filters trap a portion of mainstream smoke B[a]P and accurate measurement of B[a]P levels in cigarette filter can be used to estimate human exposure level of this compound. METHODS A rapid and sensitive method to quantify B[a]P levels trapped by cigarette filter was developed. The method is based on liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APPI-MS/MS). Validation was provided in smoked cigarette filter. RESULTS The method involved no extensive manual cleanup and concentration steps, hence is easy to use. The limit of detection was 0.064 ng/mL. The recovery ranged from 82.68% to 103.27% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 7%. A regression model between mainstream cigarette smoke and trapped B[a]P by cigarette filter was established (y = 2.5089x - 0.1851, R2 = 0.999, n = 6). This model was applied to estimate mouth-level B[a]P exposure of smokers. CONCLUSIONS The LC/APPI-MS/MS method developed in this work had an excellent throughput in estimating the mouth-level exposure under natural human smoking conditions. Mouth-level B[a]P exposure based on a study of three cigarettes (8, 10 and 13 mg tar levels) showed significant positive correlations with B[a]P trapped by cigarette filter measured (y = 2.5456x - 0.5056, R2 = 1, n = 249). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of physical activity (PA) and diet quality with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD-related fibrosis have never been examined in a representative sample of U.S. adults using a more precise form of measuring NAFLD. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations of PA and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2015) with NAFLD and a subset with advanced fibrosis (F3–4) as assessed by vibration-controlled transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter in a representative sample of U.S. adults. This cross-sectional analysis uses data from 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter ≥285 dB/m, and high likelihood of advanced fibrosis as liver stiffness measurements ≥8.6 kPa. Associations of HEI-2015 from 24-h dietary recalls and self-reported PA and sedentary behavior were estimated in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. In 2892 adults, the prevalence of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis was 35.6% and 5.6%, respectively. We found that high adherence to U.S. dietary recommendations (highest vs. lowest HEI-2015 tertile) and more PA (middle tertile vs. lowest) were associated with reduced odds of NAFLD (Adjusted OR and 95% CI; 0.60 (0.44, 0.84) and 0.65 (0.42, 0.99), respectively). More PA was inversely associated with advanced fibrosis (Adjusted OR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.16, 0.75). Diet quality and PA are associated with reduced odds of NAFLD, and PA may be critical even for those with advanced liver disease. These behaviors should be the focus of targeted public health interventions. • High adherence to U.S. dietary recommendations associated with reduced odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). • More physical activity associated with reduced odds of NAFLD. • More physical activity inversely associated with advanced fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of physical activity (PA) and diet quality with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD-related fibrosis have never been examined in a representative sample of U.S. adults using a more precise form of measuring NAFLD. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations of PA and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2015) with NAFLD and a subset with advanced fibrosis (F3-4) as assessed by vibration-controlled transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter in a representative sample of U.S. adults. This cross-sectional analysis uses data from 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter ≥285 dB/m, and high likelihood of advanced fibrosis as liver stiffness measurements ≥8.6 kPa. Associations of HEI-2015 from 24-h dietary recalls and self-reported PA and sedentary behavior were estimated in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. In 2892 adults, the prevalence of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis was 35.6% and 5.6%, respectively. We found that high adherence to U.S. dietary recommendations (highest vs. lowest HEI-2015 tertile) and more PA (middle tertile vs. lowest) were associated with reduced odds of NAFLD (Adjusted OR and 95% CI; 0.60 (0.44, 0.84) and 0.65 (0.42, 0.99), respectively). More PA was inversely associated with advanced fibrosis (Adjusted OR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.16, 0.75). Diet quality and PA are associated with reduced odds of NAFLD, and PA may be critical even for those with advanced liver disease. These behaviors should be the focus of targeted public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consumers focus on tenderness and flavor when eating goose meat. This study was conducted to determine the mechanism by which goose muscle becomes tender. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and myofibril proteins (titin, nebulin, desmin, troponin-T, and β-actin) were analyzed, and the main activated proteins' (caspase-3 and caspase-9) expression levels were examined using western blot analysis. Caspase activity was compared and analyzed across different storage times using a substrate method. Significant variations in troponin-T (approximate 35kDa) and β-actin were detected between samples suspended in 10mmol/l hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for various time periods. The data demonstrated that as goose muscle matured there were changes in proteins (titin, nebulin, desmin, troponin-T, and β-actin) and the activated fragments of caspase-3 and caspase-9, with their activities showing a significant negative correlation (P<0.05). The mean fluorescence intensity of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) in the control group was lower than the disposed groups treated with 10mmol/l H2O2, and goose meat aged 2days showed higher dihydroethidium (DHE) levels than that shown by the 0d samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two large earthquakes occurred in the western part of China in 2008, one of them being the Yutian (35.6°N, 81.6°E) M7.3 earthquake that occurred on March 21 (BJT) and the other the Wenchuan (31.0°N, 103.4°E) M8.0 earthquake that occurred on May 12 (BJT). In this paper, the West Continental China (included in 20.0°-50.0°N, 70.0°-110.0°E region) was the study region for verifyong the predictability of the pattern informatics (PI) method using the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) test and R score test. Different forecasting maps with different calculating parameters were obtained. The calculating parameters were the grid size Δ x, base time t, reference interval t to t, change interval t to t, and forecasting interval t to t. In this paper, the base time t fixed to June 1, 1971, the ending forecast time t fixed to June 1, 2008, and the forecasting interval t to t changed from 1 to 10 years, and the grid sizes were chosen as 1° × 1° and 2° × 2°, respectively. The results show that the PI method could forecast the Yutian M7.3 and Wenchuan M8.0 earthquakes only using suitable parameters. Comparing the forecast results of grid sizes 1° × 1° and 2° × 2°, the models with 2° × 2° grids were better. Comparing the forecast results with different forecasting windows from 1 to 10 years, the models with forecasting windows of 4-8 years were better using the ROC test, and the models with forecasting windows of 7-10 years were better using the R score test. The forecast efficiency of the model with a grid size of 2° × 2° and forecast window of 8 years was the best one using either the ROC test or the R score test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is an efficient biomarker of tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). The ability to monitor biomarker concentrations is very important in understanding potential cancer risk. An analytical method using molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) column coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the determination of total NNAL in human urine was developed and validated. The combination of MIP column extraction and LC–MS/MS can provide a high sensitive and relatively simple analytical method. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.30pg/ml and analysis time was 6min. The method has been applied to urine samples of 36 nonsmokers and 207 smokers. NNAL was found to be significantly higher in the urine of smokers compared with nonsmokers. Compared with smokers with blended cigarettes, Chinese virginia cigarettes smokers had low urinary NNAL levels. There was a direct association between the 24-h mouth-level exposure of carcinogen NNK from cigarette smoking and the concentration of NNAL in the urine of smokers. However, there was not a positive correlation between urinary total NNAL levels in 24h and tar. Total urinary NNAL is a valuable biomarker for monitoring exposure to carcinogenic NNK in smokers and in nonsmokers. A prediction model of cigarette smoke NNK and urinary average NNAL levels in 24h was established (y =2.8987x −245.38, r 2 =0.9952, n =204). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Crop reference evapotranspiration (ET 0) is often used to determine crop water requirement. ET 0 maps are useful for regional agricultural and water resources management, and also play an important role in the distributed hydrological modeling. For generating spatial ET 0 surfaces, ‘Interpolate-then-calculate (IC)’ approach is powerful in principle and is recommended especially for sparse weather station networks. The partial thin-plate smoothing spline incorporated in ANUSPLIN for interpolating climatic variables has been accepted widely across the world. In this paper, the climatology monthly ET 0 data of Shiyang river basin, one of the three inner basins in northwest China, are developed by spatially modeling the input climatic parameters with ANUSPLIN, and from the interpolated climate and ET 0 datasets, sensitivity coefficients of ET 0 to the climatic variables of selected months are also spatially distributed. In the cool months (January, February, November and December), the spatial variability of ET 0 is small and the value is rather low, whereas the warm season (May, June, July and August) is characterized by high values of ET 0 and large spatial variations in the river basin. Vapor pressure deficit is the most sensitive variable during the cool months and in the mountainous area with lower temperature; mean air temperature is the least sensitive one during the year and a little variation is observed at the basin scale. In summer, available energy primarily forces ET 0 as expected, and in winter, wind speed plays an important role and affects ET 0 greater at the northern plain region where deserts are dominated by dunes and low shrubs. We conclude that for regions with isolated climate stations, ‘IC’ procedure by including topographic and geographic factors can effectively model spatially distributed ET 0. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]