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In China, energy use from passenger vehicles is increasing rapidly due to urbanization and income growth, but the contributions of transport service structure shift and energy efficiency improvement, especially future energy-saving directions are controversial and unclear because of the differences in the choices of traffic modes, which may greatly affect the analysis results and their interpretations. This study investigates the growth sources of energy use in the passenger transport sector during 1979–2017 and future energy-saving potentials by 2030 by re-examining statistical data. Results show that the transport service increase and transport structure shift led to the increase in energy use by 665.25% and 337.22%, but approximately 14% of the increased energy use was offset by energy efficiency improvements, and its effect is limited in public transportation sector, compared with private passenger vehicle sector. In public passenger transport sector, adjusting the service or volume structure may be a desirable option while in private passenger vehicle sector the policy focus is more on improving fuel efficiency and reducing average annual kilometers traveled per capita. Overall, there is still at least 28.3% of energy reduction potential by energy efficiency improvement before 2030 compared to 2017 baseline level. Potential evaluation showed that the current potential of transport service structure adjustment based on industrial planning is limited, which highlights the necessity of reform, involving promoting the sharing transportation, railway, subway and buses. • Energy growth sources of passenger transport energy use are completely examined. • Transport structure shift caused energy consumption to increase by 337.22%. • Impact of energy efficiency improvement is limited in public transport sector. • There are distinct policy directions for public and private transport sectors. • There are huge energy-saving potentials in Chinese passenger transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A content-aware specular reflection suppression scheme based on adaptive image inpainting and neural network for endoscopic images was proposed. • To reduce the impact of specular reflection on visual quality, the proposed scheme is comprised of three parts: reflection detection, reflection region classification, and reflection concealment. • To suppress the effect of specular reflection, an adaptive image inpainting algorithm is developed to deal with different reflection regions. • To achieve content-aware image inpainting, a reflection region classification algorithm is designed by analyzing the local image content to adjust the parameters in the proposed image inpainting algorithm. • Since the average SSIM (structural similarity index) value of the proposed scheme is higher than those of the existing methods, our specular reflection suppression scheme is superior to the existing methods [5–7]. In this article, a content-aware specular reflection suppression scheme was developed based on adaptive image inpainting and neural network for endoscopic images. To decrease the impact of specular reflection on visual quality, the proposed scheme consists of three parts: reflection detection, reflection region classification, and reflection concealment. To automatically locate specular reflection regions, a thresholding algorithm with a morphological dilation operation is employed. To reduce the effect of specular reflection, an adaptive image inpainting algorithm is devised to deal with different reflection regions. To achieve content-aware image inpainting, a reflection region classification algorithm is designed by analyzing the local image content to adjust the parameters in the proposed image inpainting algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can automatically and correctly not only locate but also conceal specular reflection regions in endoscopic images. Furthermore, since the average SSIM (structural similarity index) value of the proposed scheme is higher than those of the existing methods, our specular reflection suppression scheme is superior to the existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alumina nanofiber is one of the most important ceramic nanomaterials, which finds many applications in mechanics, electronics, optics, etc. Polymer-alumina as-spun composite nanofibers were electrospun from a novel solution, containing water-insoluble polyacrylonitrile(PAN), nonaqueous N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) and aluminum 2,4-pentanedionate [Al(CH3COCHCOCH3)3], in which the mass ratio of aluminum 2,4-pentanedionate to PAN reached up to 1:1. Upon calcining the composite fibers at 1200°C, continuous alumina nanofibers with diameters ranging from 150 to 500nm were obtained. The alumina fibers were characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD. It was found that the surfaces of the fibers were coarsen and consisted of α-phased single-crystalline grains with sizes of approximately 10nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• miR-141 overexpression improved osteoporosis of jawbones in ovariectomized rats. • miR-141 overexpression decreased RANKL, BGP and TRAP levels in serum. • miR-141 overexpression increased Runx2 and OSX expression in jawbones. • miR-141 regulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in jawbones of ovariectomized rats. This work was aimed to investigate the effect of microRNA-141 (miR-141) overexpression in the jawbones of ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis rats and investigate the role of miR-141 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Twenty-four female rats were randomly divided into the sham group, ovariectomized osteoporosis group (OP), miR-141 agonist group (miR-141), and miR-141 scramble group (Scramble). Bone mineral density (BMD) and pathological changes of the jaw were detected. Serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and bone gla protein (BGP) levels were tested by ELISA. The expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and Osterix measured by immunohistochemistry and the expression of Wnt, β-catenin, and Dickkopf1 (DKK1) proteins was measured by Western blot. Furhter, the Wnt agonist DKK2-C2, Wnt inhibitor Endostar were used to verify the effect of miR-141 overexpression on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Compared with the OP group, the content of osteoprotegerin increased while the levels of RANKL, BGP, TRAP decreased in the miR-141 and DKK2-C2 groups (p < 0.05). The levels of Runx2 and Osterix increased significantly in the miR-141 and DKK2-C2 groups when compared to the OP group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the protein expression of Wnt and β-catenin increased while DKK1 was remarkably down-regulated in the miR-141 and DKK2-C2 groups when compared to the OP group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the miR-141 group, the above results were reversed after treatment with the Endostar (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-141 could inhibit the osteoporosis of jawbones in ovariectomized rats by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of global urbanization, high-density cities faces enormous challenges on land supply. Hong Kong is a megacity with a long-term lack of land and housing supply. To increase the development intensity of built-up areas in Hong Kong, a minor relaxation of plot ratio/building height restrictions for twenty-one sites in the three target study areas of Kai Tak Development Area has been approved by the Town Planning Board in 2015. This study aims at providing scientific evidence on the impact of this relaxation and possible further relaxations using 3D spatial analyses and simulation technologies. After a 3D model of Kai Tak and surrounding areas being generated, effects of increased PR/BH on skyline, visibility, shadow and insolation, air temperature, and wind ventilation were successfully analysed based on five scenarios. Research findings indicated that, except the extreme case of Scenario 5, no significant changes were found in Scenario 2, Scenario 3 and Scenario 4 when compared with the original plan of Scenario 1. As a pilot study focusing in Hong Kong, this research may also serve to provide new methodological and theoretical insights to facilitate rational discussion and debate on changing land development density in other similar hyper-dense cities. • We measure impacts of minor relaxation of maximum plot ratio/building height restrictions. • 3D models of Kai Tak and surrounding areas are established in GIS virtual environment. • We simulate changes of visual and microenvironment using 3D spatial analyses under five scenarios. • The most recommended scenario and implications are discussed based on the analysis results. • The proposed approach can be applied to other cities in the similar context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PAH/PAA films are coated heavy onto electrospun PAN fibers with layer-by-layer at single pH 5.5. • Heavy LBL-coated membrane exhibits excellent underwater superoleophobicity and self-cleaning property. • The oil stained membrane with extremely high contact areas exhibits high oil removal efficiency. • High flux and efficiency of the oil/water separation could be remained with intermittent pressure. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber membranes (EPFMs) are coated with multilayer films that assembled by layer-by-layer (LBL) technique through alternating deposition of polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). To obtain the heavy polyelectrolyte (PE) layer consisting of PAH and PAA, single pH value was replaced with alternative pH during LBL processes stabilizing the PAH/PAA layer without significant desorption. The heavy zwitterionic-like LBL coating of PAH/PAA film on the EPFM surface presents complete oil repellency while wetted in water (i.e., underwater superoleophobicity), so that allows to efficiently remove oil stains on dry EPFM by water. Removal of oil staining from a fibrous surface with high contact area demands to build up extremely strong bonding with water in both pristine and oil-wetted states. The PAH/PAA-coated EPFMs exhibit excellent self-cleaning from fibers even already wetted by oil. Generally, there is a maximum permeation volume during oil/water emulsion separation, because the blocked oil accumulates as a hydrophobic layer to block water passing through. These PAH/PAA-coated EPFMs are resilient to oil accumulation with intermittent pressure during the oil/water separation to remain the high permeation flux (over 30,000 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), still an pressing challenge in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seminal roots length contributes to drought tolerance in maize seedlings. • Extensive transcriptomic changes in maize seminal root tissues upon drought stress. • A combination of transcriptome profiling and GWAS identified important candidate genes related to seminal roots length. Water deficits are a major constraint on maize growth and yield, and deep roots are one of the major mechanisms of drought tolerance. In this study, four root and shoot traits were evaluated within an association panel consisting of 209 diverse maize accessions under well-watered (WW) and water-stressed (WS) conditions. A significant positive correlation was observed between seminal root length (SRL) under WS treatment and the drought tolerance index (DI) of maize seedlings. The transcriptome profiles of maize seminal roots were compared between four drought-tolerant lines and four drought-sensitive lines under both water conditions to identify genes associated with the drought stress response. After drought stress, 343 and 177 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the drought-tolerant group and drought-sensitive group, respectively. In parallel, a coexpression network underlying SRL was constructed on the basis of transcriptome data, and 10 hub genes involved in two significant associated modules were identified. Additionally, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the SRL revealed 62 loci for the two water treatments. By integrating the results of the GWAS, the common DEGs and the coexpression network analysis, 7 promising candidate genes were prioritized for further research. Together, our results provide a foundation for the enhanced understanding of seminal root changes in response to drought stress in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random aggregation character and beany flavor limit the application of soy protein products in drinkable and semi-solid protein-rich products that taste smooth and soft. A co-protein strategy was employed to prepare soy protein-based microparticles with improved heat stability and weak gelation ability in this work. Egg white protein (EWP), which served as a free sulfhydryl (SH) donor, was mixed with soy protein isolate (SPI). Microparticulation and spray drying were successively conducted on the mixture, and roughly spherical composite microparticles were obtained. The addition of EWP significantly increased the number of intermolecular disulfide linkage inside the microparticles, which was verified by the determinations of their free SH and cystine levels as well as their extractability in sodium dodecyl sulfate-containing buffers. When re-dispersed in deionized water at a neutral pH condition, most of the composite particles had a diameter ranged from 2 to 20 μm. Their size distribution analysis suggested that there was no significant particle aggregation occurred after this dispersion was heated at 95 °C for 30 min. The frequency-dependent storage moduli indicated that this heated dispersion with a protein concentration of 12 wt% was still a viscous liquid. The tribological test suggested that this dispersion also provided better lubrication for the contact between the soft rubber surfaces. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the flavor volatiles content in the composite microparticles was much lower than that in SPI. This might provide another perspective for preparing novel soy protein-based ingredients with improved functionalities for protein-rich foods. Image 1072 • A co-protein strategy was employed to prepare soy protein-based microparticles. • Mixture of egg white protein and soy protein was subjected to microparticulation. • More disulfide linkages formed inside the composite microparticles. • Composite particles had improved heat stability and weak gelation ability. • Flavor volatile content in the microparticles was significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon utilization and storage (CCUS) project represented by enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology provides a feasible way for the CCS dynamic cost to decline. With the development of CCS and the cost reduction of power plant capture, the possibility of oil companies receiving CO 2 from power plants will increase, which makes CO 2 and oil resources more fully utilized. Based on this fact, this work proposes a novel model regarding the CCS–EOR project to systematically evaluate the CCS development path and the EOR utilization process. By considering the CO 2 source captured by CCS and the utilization process of EOR process, the cost-benefit model of integrated system is established, and the CO 2 capture/injection path of CCS/EOR is optimized. This model helps to analyze CCS investment and carbon capture process from the perspective of the whole project process, and provides a feasible reference for practical large-scale engineering decision-making project. • We propose an optimization model of CO 2 capture system based on integration about CCS and EOR. • Learning effect of operation cost and a representative EOR economic evaluation model are coupled to realize the hard link between these two processes. • One source from CCS side and multi sinks in the EOR side are considered to achieve the allocation among different injection rates simultaneously. • This model helps to analyze CCS investment and carbon capture process from the perspective of the whole project process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a new CCS project investment model, which helps to design the CCS development roadmap for achieving the next 2050. • Reductions in the cost of technologies as a result of learning-by-doing is considered to enrich the model. • We transform the original continuous problem into a nonlinear integer programming problem. • We are trying to answer questions about when to adopt CCS technology and what are their cost. • Flexible installation levels can be considered to improve efficiency and reduce costs. In the medium to long term, China must conduct deep emission reduction actions to transform the country's economy and meet the conditions of the Paris Agreement. As an advanced emission reduction technology, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is undoubtedly an important means of achieving this goal. China must consider how to retrofit existing thermal power plants to install CCS technology. Thus, the expected future roadmap for power plants with CO 2 capture is of significant interest. To achieve this aim, we propose a new CCS project investment model, which helps design the CCS development roadmap for achieving the emission targets for 2050. Reductions in the cost of technologies as a result of learning-by-doing is considered to enrich the model to describe the reality more sensibly. Through some mathematical skills, we transform the original continuous problem into a nonlinear integer programming problem. By solving the model, we are trying to answer questions about when to adopt CCS technology and the cost. The results reveal that early large-scale CCS demonstrations are not necessary. The peak investment period of CCS is around 2035. Operating costs account for 80% of the overall cost of CCS, and thus, policymakers must fully motivate the development and investment of operating technologies, especially capture technologies. The results also show that when the scale of CCS technology is promoted, flexible installation levels can be considered to improve efficiency and reduce costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facile fabrication process to prepare photoswitchable visualized platform is developed. • Azo is blended with PAA brush with cationic surfactant groups to assign photoswitchable function. • Geometry of PAA grating changes reversible with Azo structure under UV-light irradiation. • Geometry of PAA grating changes result the visualized color changes under UV-light irradiation. • Color of Azo-PAA grating switches from yellow to red under irradiation of UV-light. Line arrays of poly(methacrylic acid) brush gratings (PBGs) were prepared to hybridize azobenzene (Azo) cationic surfactants. The change in the free volume of the Azo unit between the cis-state and its trans counterpart under 365-nm irradiation resulted in geometrical-parameter variations of the PBGs. The effective refractive index (n eff) of the PBGs changed from 1.202 to 1.245 under 365-nm irradiation. To observe the color change under 365-nm irradiation, the correlation between the reflection wavelength and the reflection angle at a diffraction order ranging from 1 to 5 was established to obtain the optimal observation angle. The PBG exhibited yellow light initially, which was observed at 60°–70° by the naked eye. This is consistent with our prediction. The yellow changed to red under irradiation at 365 nm and returned to yellow under irradiation at 460 nm. The photomechanical (contraction and expansion) color of the dry polymer brush was reversible with repeated irradiation cycles, indicating potential for applications in photomanipulable sensors or actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Integrated optimization model for CCS hub and pipeline network design is proposed. • We consider a special type of network structure and address the optimal location of the potential hubs. • We adopt a branch-and-bound algorithm to solve the proposed mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. • The hub location can significantly affect not only the CCS network configuration but also the dynamic character of the flow rate. • A few non-linear region constraints do not significantly lead to problem solving efficiency. In this study, we aim to increase net economic profit by utilizing a systematic approach to optimize the entire network via combining carbon dioxide (CO 2) supply of carbon capture and storage (CCS) with CO 2 injection of carbon sequestration. We consider a special type of network structure and simultaneously address the optimal location of the potential hubs. The continuous selection problem of the hub location brings practical difficulties to the model, both in terms of solution efficiency and model representation. In the case that the EOR (enhanced oil recovery) conversion level is time-varying, the decision-making variables—such as the hub location, pipeline size, and flow rate design—show different degrees of interplays, which brings great uncertainty to the final decision. We apply our framework to four instances of the CCS-EOR network design combined with the hub location selection problem to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polystyrene microspheres (PM) are coated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (FeNPs) with layer-by-layer. • FeNPs coating on the PM improves the particle chaining behavior during the electrorehological operation. • Sandwich-structured displays are fabricated to find the characteristic frequency with the transmittances. • PM@FeNPs are immobilized antibody to detect the antigen according to the characteristic frequency. • Rapid label-free detection of antigen is achieved with high selectivity and sensitivity. Core/shell structures consisting of polystyrene microspheres (PM, ∼2.2 μm) and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (FeNPs, ∼12.7 nm) were synthesized using a layer-by-layer process to vary the dielectric property. PM@FeNP solutions were encapsulated into home-made sandwich-structured displays (SSDs) to observe their transmittance change under an alternating electric field (AEF). The dispersed PM@FeNP blocked the light traveling through the SSD in the absence of AEF, resulting in an opaque state. In the presence of an AEF, the SSD could display the highest transmittance at the so-called characteristic frequency of the encapsulated microspheres, because of particle chaining. Furthermore, protein G and an antibody were coated onto the PM@FeNP, denoted as PM@FeNP@GIg, for use as a biosensor medium. The characteristic frequency of PM@FeNP@GIg shifted from 300 kHz to 750 kHz after antigen coupling, which could be visualized without any labeling because of the significant change in transmittance. The limit of detection (LOD), ∼40 ng/μL, could be identified within 30 s by the highest transmittance of SSD under AEF at 750 kHz. The transmittance was not affected by BSA or streptavidin, indicating high sensitivity and selectivity. This technique significantly simplifies common immunoassays, which may possess great potential for practical applications in label-free biosensors and visualizing antigen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two kinds of magnetite are identified at porphyry-related deposits in the Zhongdian region. • Some magnetite grains had undergone dissolution-reprecipitation processes. • The compositions of magnetite are affected by temperature, oxygen fugacity and hydrothermal alteration. The Zhongdian region in northwestern Yunnan (SW China) hosts a number of important porphyry and skarn deposits. In this study, we integrate petrographic observations, SEM-EDS elemental mapping, EPMA and LA-ICP-MS geochemical analyses on magnetite from several key deposits in the region. Magnetite grains from the Pulang porphyry Cu-Au, Lannitang porphyry Au-Cu, Langdu Cu skarn, Disuga porphyry, and andesite of Tumugou Formation were analyzed to unravel the magnetite formation mechanism, and the relative oxygen fugacity of the porphyry/skarn ore-related hydrothermal fluids in this region. Two types of magnetites (Magnetite I and II) have been identified. Magnetite I is commonly distributed in the chlorite and/or sericite alteration zone(s). Magnetite I grains are characterized by being textually inhomogeneous. The Magnetite I core (with local ilmenite exsolution lamellae) is Ti-Cr rich, indicative of a dominantly igneous origin. The Magnetite I core and its surrounding primary igneous minerals (biotite, amphibole and plagioclase) underwent late alteration. Magnetite I grains are characterized by core-rim texture, sharp core-rim contact, and irregular grain boundaries. These textural features indicate that Magnetite I may have undergone dissolution-reprecipitation processes, during which the Magnetite I core was chemically purified via losing Ti and gaining Fe. Magnetite II (in potassic and sericite alteration zones) is textually homogeneous with relatively low contents of Ti, Mg, Al, V, Ni, and Mn. We suggest that Magnetite II was formed by hydrothermal alteration. Compared to Magnetite II grains from the Pulang and Langdu deposits, those from the Lannitang deposit have lower Mn and V but higher Sn contents, indicative of higher oxygen fugacity of the hydrothermal fluids. We propose that binary plots such as Ti vs. Sc, V vs. Sn and Ga vs. Sn can distinguish the different origins of magnetites. From an exploration perspective, Magnetite II from the altered Disuga porphyries has similar texture and composition to its counterpart from the potassic-altered Pulang porphyries. This, together with the presence of Cu-sulfide inclusions in the Disuga Magnetite I, suggests significant mineralization potential in these porphyries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimum coefficient of performance (COP) of finite-time refrigerators operating with Rankine cycles for different refrigerants (R410A, R134a, R22 and R32) are investigated. The maximum COP is found to be dependent on the thermal reservoir temperatures and the mass flow weighted total heat conductance as well as the refrigerant properties. The optimal heat conductance ratio, which leads to the optimum COP, is found to be less than 0.5 and dependent on the mass flow weighted total conductance and hot reservoir temperatures for each refrigerant. The slightly asymmetric design of smaller thermal conductance for condenser and larger thermal conductance for evaporator is suggested for practical refrigerators. Besides, the curve slope of the saturated gas line of refrigerant is found to significantly impact on COP. The value of optimum COP decreases in sequence of R134a, R22, R410A and R32 in accordance with the orders of the curve slopes of these refrigerants. The performance of refrigerators can be improved by employing the refrigerant with larger steepness of saturated gas line. • Optimizing the finite-time refrigerator operating with Rankine cycle. • Investigating the impacts of refrigerant properties on performance of refrigerator. • Suggesting the slightly asymmetric design for condenser and evaporator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to minimize the emission of air pollutants while making decisions about mitigating climate change has become a hot research topic. Considering the homologous homology of the two types of emissions, it is completely feasible to achieve synergistic control for different pollutants through a rational allocation of technology investment. To attain this goal, in this paper, I propose a pollutant synergistic control model. Carbon and sulfur emissions are chose as the major control object. Under a weak condition, I obtained analytical expressions for two types of cleaner technology investment paths, technology capital accumulation paths, and emission reduction paths. Further, characteristics of the respective paths, and the conditions for meeting the corresponding theoretical inflection points or peaks, were analyzed, which lays a foundation for applications of the theory. In particular, this study draws the necessary and sufficient conditions for an internal solution to the choice of cleaner technology, which is a powerful and practical evaluation index. The theoretical predictions were verified with numerical simulation. The investment of the two types of cleaner technologies peaked during the 10th period, and the capital accumulation peaked during 15th period after a slight delay. The actual measured investment and subsidy feedback gains were around the 0.04 and 0.02 levels. In addition, different combinations of targets for sulfur and carbon reduction also simulated scenarios in which the model had different internal solutions. The relevant theoretical exploration work in this paper has deep implications for policy decisions in the real world. • We propose a cleaner technology investment model to control greenhouse gas and air pollution simultaneously. • We differentiate two types of cleaner technology between the production process and end-tail process. • We obtained analytical expressions for investment paths, capital accumulation paths and abatement paths. • Necessary and sufficient conditions for an internal solution to the choice of cleaning technology is established. • Closed-loop strategy of the investment and optimal subsidy are given as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Syntheses and characterization of two pairs of Cu(II) and Cd(II) coordination polymers with di-3-pyridinylmethanone revealed that variation the counter anion from to does not change the structures of Cu(II) complexes, but it lowers the dimensionality of the Cd(II) framework. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The northwest area of the BTSSCP suffered severe dust-affected zones based on the dust flow trajectory. • The ESs in severe dust-affected areas were relatively poor. • ESs and the dust flow trajectory were integrated to identify ecological governance zones. • Governance suggestions were proposed for the ecological management zone combined with the driving forces. Achieving ecological conservation and governance based on ecosystem services (ESs) can balance regional ecological protection and development, which is of great significance for sustainable development. Existing research has mainly focused on the extraction of priority ecological conservation areas, thereby neglecting to consider the classification and management of ecological engineering areas. To improve regional ecological governance, we combine ESs and dust movement trajectory, using the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project (BTSSCP) as the research object to generate watersheds' ecological governance zones. Six ESs were assessed to determine ecological zones. Trajectory simulation of dust movement, using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and potential source contribution function, was used to determined zones affected by dust. By combining these two aspects, five main ecological governance clusters were identified. We found that: (1) the area with low ESs in the northwest of the BTSSCP suffered from severe dust impacts; (2) slight dust-affected zones were mainly distributed in the eastern of the BTSSCP, and in the area, ESs gradually decreased from south to north; (3) ESs in the region was primarily influenced by natural factors and the influencing factors of ESs vary among different zones. These findings will not only contribute to the overall planning and governance of the BTSSCP, but can offer general guidance for the formulation of targeted ecological protection and restoration measures in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effects of short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) with different particle sizes on first-ever stroke risk in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese population. Health information was collected from the China National Stroke Screening Survey (CNSSS) from March 1, 2013, to April 10, 2015. Ambient exposures to PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 were obtained from ChinaHighAirPollutants (CHAP) Grid data. Case-crossover design was used to estimate the increase of first-ever stroke risk per 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient exposures to different size particles. We used distributed lag linear model (DLM) to estimate the hysteresis effects of particle exposures. In addition, in order to assess the effect modification of long-term exposure, we did a stratified analysis using median exposure as the dividing line. We included 1326 first-ever stroke events from 242 communities in the present study. We found that effects on first-ever stroke risk increased with the decrease in particle size. The percent increases of first-ever stroke risk increased by 6.6% (95% CI: 1.4, 12.0), 3.3% (95% CI: 0.5, 6.1), and 0.6% (95% CI: -1.2, 2.6) per 10 g/m3 increases in PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 exposures in lag 0–2 days, respectively. Furthermore, the cumulative effect of PM on first-ever stroke reached its peak at distinct time points under different layers of long-term PM exposure. In areas with low PM exposure, the cumulative effects of the three kinds of particles on stroke reached their peak in lag1 day, while the cumulative effect peaked in lag3 day in areas with high PM exposure. This study found that smaller particles had a stronger short-term effect on first-ever stroke. We also found that people in areas with long-term exposures to lower levels were more sensitive to short-term exposures. These results have public health significance for stroke prevention and air pollution reduction. [Display omitted] • The effects of PM on first-ever stroke in a large area were evaluated. • The impacts of PM increase with decreasing particle size. • The short-term effects of PM were larger in areas with lower long-term exposure levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this paper, the optimized GWO-MCSVM assessment model is constructed step by step, and the nonlinear convergence factor is used to replace the conventional convergence factor in the Grey Wolf algorithm and the thought of parameter initialization by tent chaotic mapping, which makes it more suitable for the data analysis of transformers. The improved GWO-MCSVM model ensures the rapidity and reliability of assessment. • The initialization of model parameters based on Tent chaotic map completes the preprocessing of model input data, determines the initial parameter selection of GWO parameter optimization process, and improves the optimization speed of the algorithm. • The parameters of GWO-MCSVM model are optimized through training samples of transformer operation parameters in practical projects, and the GWO-MCSVM model is tested through groups of test samples. Compared with the existing GA-SVM model and PSO-SVM model, it is verified that the model has high accuracy (accuracy rate is more than 90%) in transformer condition assessment, is superior to the existing assessment model, and has bright scalability. The continuous and reliable operation of the transformer is the basis to ensure the normal operation of the power system. Relevant departments collect multi-dimensional and multi-source heterogeneous parameter data during the operation, maintenance and repair of transformers. The effective information contained in the parameter data can directly reflect the current operating status of the transformer. On the basis of support vector machine and grey wolf algorithm, an improved GWO-MCSVM algorithm based on nonlinear convergence factor and Tent chaotic mapping is proposed. The algorithm parameters are optimized through training samples, and the results are evaluated and verified in the algorithm itself, so as to improve the accuracy of the status assessment results. Finally, the accuracy of assessment results of the algorithm proposed in this paper, existing genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization algorithms are compared by evaluating multiple sets of measured samples. By comparison, the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper for transformer condition assessment has been verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While prior studies of consumer preferences on electric vehicles (EVs) utilized stated preference (SP) or revealed preference (RP) data, this study examined consumer preferences for EVs through their online behaviour. Using big data and text mining technologies to explore large quantities of Chinese consumers' online behaviour pertaining to EV selection, comparison, purchase inquiry, and comments, we found that EV prices, car classification and powertrain types were the most important factors influencing consumer response. In addition to general interests, we also noted application specific interests. For instance, we observed a preference for small battery electric vehicle (BEV) models with fast-charging batteries, which are well-suited to work commutes and daily life. By contrast, when examining plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), we noticed that consumers expressed a preference for sport utility vehicle (SUV) models. Finally, we found that in addition to price and technical specifications, EV aesthetics play a significant role in consumer choice. These conclusions are valuable for government agencies and EV manufacturers looking to promote EVs and address environmental pollution by appealing to consume interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess consumption of animal meat is negatively associated with human health benefits and environmental sustainability. In recent years, many academic institutions, large food manufacturers, and start-ups have attached great importance to the development of meat analogs, but there is still a major technical challenge to developing products with wide acceptance by consumers. To mimic the juiciness in meat products derived from the phase transition of animal fats, oleogel, in which vegetable oil was structured by a network made up of whey protein isolates (WPI) and water, was prepared in this work. It was integrated into a soybean protein gel induced by transglutaminase to set up a composite gel model for meat analog. The heated composite gels were then subjected to in vivo and in vitro oral processing experiments. The proportion of oil released from the gel matrix, the tribological properties of the simulated bolus, and the sensory attribute evaluation were investigated. The results indicated that the addition of oleogel significantly enhanced the oil release and improve the fat-related sensory attributes. The transition of the microstructure in the oleogel caused by heating and shearing might be responsible for its oil-release behavior. However, this effect could not be observed in the composite gel with the addition of emulsion gel. It suggested that the oleogel prepared in this work might be a potential component for improving the juiciness attributes of the meat analog, providing a new idea for elevating the quality and acceptability of the meat analog. [Display omitted] • A good idea was provided to developing meat analogs with wide acceptance. • Juiciness was firstly used to improve oral texture perception in meat analogs. • The oil release behavior was investigated using in vitro and in vivo methods. • Nearly 50% of the oil was released from meat analogs with the addition of oleogel. • The released oil improved the lubrication and fat-related sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reported the effects of the order of plasma treatment and high temperature annealing on solution-processed amorphous indium magnesium zinc oxide (a-IMZO, In:Ga:Zn = 3:1:1) thin film transistors (TFTs). Specifically, we utilized two different processes to fabricate TFTs. In one process, the active layers were plasma-treated (PT, 10 W, 10min) before high temperature thermal annealing (TA, 400 °C), and in another process, the active layers were plasma-treated after high temperature annealing. The former achieves lower off-current (5.83 × 10−12 A) and larger on/off current ratio (2.2 × 107), because the oxygen-related ions in the N 2 O plasma treatment can passivate the surface of the active layer and reduce the residual organic groups. However, introducing of O2+ and O2− ions leads to an increase in interface defects. The latter sample reaches a mobility 1.97 cm2/V·s, as the generated nanopores during high temperature annealing provide path for more atomic oxygen to infiltrate the film during PT and the oxygen vacancies are reduced. However, the on-current drops sharply with plasma treatment power for the increase of oxidation depth. In addition, all the PT samples show small hysteresis and improved stabilities. Our study suggests that moderate plasma treatment can be adopted to improve the a-IMZO TFT device performances. • PTbTA sample achieves lower off-current and larger on/off current ratio. • I on of PTaTA sample increases significantly and achieves higher mobility. • All the samples indicate an amorphous structure. • All the PT samples show small hysteresis and improved stabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although environmental exposure to multiple metals is common, epidemiological studies on the associations of exposure to 23 metals with kidney function have not been analyzed. We aimed to investigate the associations of 23 metals levels with renal function. We conducted a cross-sectional study in four rural regions of Hunan province. Plasma and urine metals levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Two-level logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of metals levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with adjustment for confounding factors. We conducted a sensitivity analysis of the results using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. A total of 3553 participants completed the investigation. Five metals (plasma arsenic and molybdenum; urine copper, rubidium, and strontium) were identified to be significantly associated with renal function. Participants in the highest quartile of plasma arsenic and molybdenum were at 17.95 (95% CI: 6.35–50.76) and 24.23 (95% CI: 7.42–79.19) fold risk of abnormal eGFR, respectively, compared with the lowest quartile. The highest quartiles of urine copper, rubidium, and strontium were associated with 3.70 (95% CI:1.92–7.14), 0.16 (95% CI:0.07–0.37) and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03–0.21) fold risk of abnormal eGFR. The sensitivity analysis revealed that plasma arsenic, molybdenum and urine copper, rubidium and strontium levels retained similar associations with abnormal eGFR. Plasma arsenic and molybdenum, and urine copper are risk factors for abnormal renal function, while urine rubidium and strontium are protective factors for renal function. • A cross-sectional study was conducted in four rural regions of Hunan province. • The associations of multiple metal levels with renal function was investigated. • Multiple metals in plasma and urine are associated with abnormal eGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The micro-mechanical responses of an electrode dominate its electrochemical performance and lifetime. Herein, an experimental method is proposed to investigate the micro-strain/stress of graphene electrodes during galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The characteristic Raman peak of the graphene electrode is acquired in situ in a modified coin cell as a function of time. And two mechanical models are established, including microscale plane strain and plane stress with Li-induced-stiffening. Combining the mechanical models and the measured 2D peak, the micro-strain and micro-stress of the graphene electrode are quantitatively characterized. Furthermore, the deformation mechanism and rate-dependent characteristics are discussed. Excepting slight compressive loads by the solid–electrolyte interface film, the graphene experiences an increasing tensile strain/stress with increasing capacity. The stresses significantly depend on the charge/discharge rate, where higher stresses are induced at higher currents with a multiplicative relationship between the stress and current increments. The origins of the stress differences between macroscale and microscale involve the elongation of the intralayer C−C bonds caused by intercalated Li between the graphene layers and a microscopic concentration gradient. This work enhances the understanding of the microscopic mechano-electro-chemical mechanism of graphene electrodes and facilitates theoretical modeling of the stress with Li concentration and current. Graphical abstract Image 106365 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • CNTs and CNFs are both the nano-structured fibrous materials with excellent properties. • The dispersion of CNTs/CNFs is the decisive factor affecting the performance of composites. • The incorporation of CNTs and CNFs affects the variety performance of cement-based materials. • CNTs/CNFs-modified cement-based composites have broad application prospects. Abstract CNTs and CNFs are drawing widespread attention due to the unique structure and excellent properties, such as the mechanical property and the electrical property. It will significantly improve the cement-based composites' properties when adding CNTs/CNFs into composites. This paper briefly introduces the CNTs'/CNFs' basic properties and dispersion methods, and elucidates the properties of cement-based composites recombining CNTs/CNFs, including the mechanical property, the deformation property, the durability property, the thermal conductivities and electrical conductivities. This paper also summarizes the problems existing in present research, and gives some proposes for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • ACHC with abundant amino, hydroxyl and carboxylate groups was prepared successfully. • ACHC can remove efficiently and rapidly MB and Cu(II) from aqueous solution. • The surface chelation was mainly contribute to Cu(II) adsorption. • π-π interaction, hydrogen bond and electrostatic attraction dominated MB adsorption. Abstract The polyaminocarboxylated modified hydrochar (ACHC) was synthesized to introduce abundant amino, hydroxyl and carboxylate multifunctional groups onto the surface of hydrochar by etherification, amination and carboxylated reaction. The ACHC was systematically characterized and used to evaluate adsorption properties of Cu(II) and methylene blue (MB) by batch sorption tests. The adsorption process toward Cu(II) and MB by ACHC obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model. Characteristic analysis indicated the surface chelation was mainly contribute to Cu(II) adsorption by large amounts of amino and carboxylate groups while π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction dominated MB adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities of ACHC were 140.65 and 1238.66 mg·g−1 for Cu(II) and MB at 303 K, respectively. Approximately 97% of the adsorptive uptakes for two pollutants were removed within merely 5 min for kinetic experiment. Competitive adsorption of Cu(II) and MB, and treatment of electroplating wastewater by ACHC were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims CAA45 is a calothrixin A (CAA) analogue with anti-cancer activity at nanomolar concentration. This study aimed to investigate the anti-lung cancer activity of CAA45 and explore its mechanisms of actions. Main methods CAA and CAA45 were synthesized and their inhibition on DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) performed by evaluating the relaxation of supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA and their anti-lung cancer capacity determined by cytotoxic assays, cell migration, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell autophagy and related signaling proteins expression by western blot. Key findings CAA45 significantly inhibited human non-small cancer cell A549 and NCI-H1650 cells growth with IC 50 values of 110 and 230 nM, respectively. In the A549 xenograft models, CAA45 displayed strong antitumor activities at a dose of 10 mg/kg. CAA45 inhibited Topo I activity and caused the cell cycle arrest at S phase, which also reduced A549 cell migration by inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Furthermore, CAA45 induced A549 cell apoptosis and autophagy. The apoptosis pathway was involved in the release of cytochrome c and caspase activation. CAA45 also inhibited Akt, activated JNK and up-regulated p53 signals in A549 cells, which may serve as a modulator to induce apoptosis and autophagy in cancer cells. Significance CAA45 exerted its anti-lung cancer effect via inhibition of Topo I, resulting in cell cycle arrest and cell migration, induction of mitochondria mediated cell apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/Akt/JNK/p53 pathway. All these observations suggested that CAA45 could be a promising lead for anti-cancer drug discovery. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soy protein isolate (SPI, 1–4 wt%) was heated by conventional heat treatment (90 °C) and subcritical water treatment (SW, 120 °C). The aggregation degree, surface hydrophobicity, interfacial adsorption behaviors, foaming and emulsifying properties were characterized to evaluate the effects of aggregation degree on the foaming and emulsifying properties of proteins. SW treatment induced the formation of larger soluble aggregates dominated by intermolecular hydrophobic interactions. Compared to native SPI and SPI heated at 90 °C (SPI90), SW-treated SPI showed a higher surface activity at the air-water and oil-water interface due to lower aggregation degree and more flexible conformation. Obvious improvements of foam capacity and stability may be attributed to the formation of an interfacial layer with higher macromolecule interactions. Moreover, SW treatment effectively improved storage and freeze-thaw stability against emulsion coalescence due to the formation of a thicker multilayer, although higher flocculation degree was observed. These results suggest that SW treatment could be an effective technique to modify structural and functional properties of soy protein for stable foam and emulsion foods. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Heating temperature and protein concentration affect protein aggregation behaviors. • Subcritical water-treated soy protein exhibited a higher surface activity. • The formation of gel-like interfacial layer improved foam capacity and stability. • A thicker multilayer provided an protection for oil droplets against coalescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To monitor T-2 toxin rapidly in milk, a highly specific against T-2 toxin monoclonal antibody (mAb) was produced and a sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) was developed. T-2 toxin was first converted to T-2-adipic anhydride (T-2HA), and then Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and virus-like particles (VLP) were synthesized and conjugated to T-2HA as coating and immunogen antigen, respectively. After the inoculation of female Balb/c mice and cell fusions, a high affinity mAb was produced. After optimization, the 50% inhibition concentration (IC 50) for the developed ic-ELISA was estimated as 0.137 ng mL−1. Based on this mAb, an optimized ic-ELISA protocol was developed using the dilution method to prepare milk samples. The limits of detection of T-2 toxin in milk was 0.827 ng mL−1, the mean recovery of T-2 toxin in spiked samples (2.5, 5 and 10 ng mL−1) ranged from 85.0% to 98.9%, and the CVs ranged from 6.1% to 8.6%. The ic-ELISA was validated by HPLC-MS/MS method, and all results demonstrated that it was a suitable screening method for detecting T-2 toxin in milk. Highlights • A highly specific against T-2 toxin monoclonal antibody (mAb) is produced. • A sensitive ic-ELISA method to screen T-2 toxin in milk is developed. • The limit of detection of T-2 toxin in milk is determined. • The ic-ELISA is validated by HPLC-MS/MS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The protonated amine modified hydrochar was synthesized for anionic dye removal. • The protonated amine groups play a key role on sorption of MO by PAMH. • The electrostatic interaction is the main mechanism. • The modified hydrochar can remove efficiently MO from aqueous solution. Abstract The protonated amine modified hydrochar (PAMH) was synthesized by etherification, amination and protonated reaction with hydrochar, which was enriched with abundant protonated amine for methyl orange (MO) removal. PAMH was characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement, zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared. The sorption of MO from aqueous solution by PAMH was investigated by batch experiments. The results showed that sorption of MO was significantly influenced by the initial concentration of MO, temperature, contact time and ionic strength, while hardly affected by pH values ranging from 4 to 11. The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir equations were able to depict sorption kinetics and sorption isotherms, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the sorption behavior was thermopositive and spontaneous. The maximum theoretical uptake computed by the Langmuir equation was 909.09 mg·g−1 at 303 K, which suggested that PAMH was an effective sorbent to eliminate anionic dye from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Three kinds of foaming agents are used to prepare foamed concrete. • The stability and strength of the foam produced by foaming agents were tested. • The performance of foamed concrete were characterized. • A close correlation was found between foaming agent and performance of specimens. Abstract Aiming to explore the effects of the foaming agent type on the properties of foamed concrete, synthetic surfactants (SS), plant surfactants (PS) and animal glue/blood based surfactants (AS) were used to produce foamed concrete with a density of 600 kg/m3. At this density, the structure and properties of foamed concrete were greatly influenced by the foaming agent type. The FTIR results show that the functional groups of SS, PS and AS are similar. However, the stability and strength of the foam made by SS are much higher than that of AS and PS, which may be due to the higher density and viscosity of SS foam. The experimental results exhibited that the compressive strength of foamed concrete with SS is 11% and 43% higher than that of foamed concrete with AS and PS, respectively. The drying shrinkage of foamed concrete with SS is 13% and 21% lower than that of foamed concrete with AS and PS, respectively. The pore structure of foamed concrete was tested with X-CT and Hardened Concrete Bubble Analyzer. Foamed concrete with SS showed narrower pore size distributions and fewer connected pores compared with the other two, which accounted for the high compressive strength, low drying shrinkage and strong frost resistance of foamed concrete with SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) of graphene is studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations when epoxy groups are orderly arranged on its surface. When two epoxy groups are located on the same side of the zigzag bridge in a representative cell of graphene, a ripple area appears on the graphene surface. A truss structure model of the ripple is presented to reveal the nature of the NPR phenomenon due to the de-wrinkling effect during stretching. Based on this, the wrinkle region is defined as a periodic distribution unit, and it is evenly distributed along the X- and Y-direction in the 5 nm × 5 nm graphene, then it is found that graphene exhibits a remarkable negative Poisson's ratio phenomenon. In addition, the results show that the oxygen atoms proportion of graphene significantly influence its NPR, and the NPR is the most remarkable when the proportion of oxygen atoms is 4.2 %. [Display omitted] • NPR of graphene caused by epoxy group was studied by theoretical and MD method. • A truss structure model was presented to reveal the nature of NPR phenomenon. • The designed graphene containing epoxy groups exhibits remarkable NPR phenomenon. • NPR of graphene containing epoxy groups depends on the proportion of oxygen atoms. • GO with 4.2 % oxygen atoms has the most remarkable NPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a path planning algorithm for car-like mobile robots operating on a known static rough terrain environment. The purpose of this approach is to find collision free and feasible paths with minimum length and terrain roughness. First, a new workspace modeling method is proposed to model the rough terrain environment. Then, considering the nonholonomic constraints of car-like robots, a MOPSO (multi-objective particle swarm optimization) based method is used to solve the problem. In the proposed algorithm, a new updating method for particle’s global best position based on crowding radius is used to increase population diversity. And to improve the algorithm efficiency, a nonuniformity factor is adopted to update the particle’s position when the path collides with obstacles. Finally, two simulation tests are designed using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 4 and Matlab. Results show the advantages of the proposed algorithm in finding Pareto optimal paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the degradation and recovery behaviors of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin film transistor (TFT) under direct current (dc) stress were investigated. Under positive or negative gate stress with a drain bias stress, the similar degradation and recovery behaviors were observed. The similar recovery is a limited one compared to the degradation before removing the bias stress. It is determined that hot-carrier effect is the key degradation mechanism under the positive or negative gate stress condition. The devices without drain bias stress appear no recovery behavior after removing the stress, which implies that the hot-carrier degradation is mainly because of the lateral electrical field rather than the vertical electrical field. In contrast to the degradation caused by hot-carrier effect, the degradation caused by the vertical gate electrical field cannot be recovered after removing the stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interfacial covalent cross-linking of emulsions can greatly enhance their tolerance to environmental stresses, and also contribute to formation of a new class of food products (e.g., oil gel, oil powder, and capsules). Algal oil is rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while heat treatment makes it particularly susceptible to oxidation. In this study, microfluidization initiated interfacial covalent cross-linking of gliadin particles to stabilize emulsion as a novel technology to facilely construct structured algal oil product without any thermal or chemical treatment. The coarse emulsions with high algal oil volume fraction ( φ oil= 50%) stabilized by acidic gliadin particles were firstly homogenized using IKA homogenizer, and then emulsions were immediately subjected to mild alkaline pH-shifting processes. Finally, microfluidization initiated cross-linking of gliadin via intermolecular disulfide bonds to prepare stable structured emulsions. The droplet size distribution, FTIR, and SDS-PAGE of emulsions clearly verified that cross-linking was initiated by hydrophobic interaction under mild alkaline conditions, and interfacial disulfide cross-linking of gliadins was triggered by microfluidization. The viscoelastic and mechanical properties of emulsions showed homogenization pressure-dependent behavior. In addition, with increasing homogenization pressure, the increased oxidative stability with reduced lipid hydroperoxides and volatile hexanal of emulsions was also observed. Facile construction of cross-linking by microfluidization may provide a novel technology platform for gliadin based delivery system or edible oil structuring with functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An entry trajectory planning algorithm that generates flyable trajectories satisfying multiple no-fly zones and other path and terminal constraints is presented. The algorithm divides the entry trajectory into initial and glide phases. In the initial phase, the maximum value of heating rate is controlled accurately as the altitude of the quasi-equilibrium glide condition (QEGC) transition point is adjusted with a nominal angle of attack and a parameterized bank angle. In the glide phase, a geometry based planning algorithm that relies on the center positions and radius of the multiple no-fly zones, is proposed to calculate the waypoints of the virtual flight path. The magnitude and reversal point of the bank angle in each sub-phase are searched based on a reduced-order lateral system with the predictor-corrector method. The altitude is designed as an analytical function of energy, and the QEGC is employed to analytically solve the remaining state variables. Finally, a linear quadratic regulator is used to test the realization of the 3D trajectory. The algorithm is tested using the common aero vehicle-H model. The results demonstrate that the algorithm can rapidly generate the entry trajectory with multiple no-fly zone constraints and achieve complex flight missions satisfying all flight constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polysaccharide SEP has been reported to activate NK and T cells via TLR2/4. Here, the combination of gemcitabine (GEM) and SEP against HepG-2 was investigated. SEP apparently enhanced antitumor activity of gemcitabine against liver cancer through stimulating NKG2D and DAP10/Akt pathway to activate NK cells. The NKG2D upregulation could improve the sensitivity of NK-92 cells targeting to its ligand MICA expressed on HepG-2 cells. Meanwhile, GEM up-regulated MICA expression and attenuated soluble MICA secretion through inhibiting ADAM10 expression, which in turn enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells against cancer cells. SEP remarkably enhanced GEM antitumor activity with an inhibitory rate of 79.1% in an H22-bearing mouse model. Moreover, SEP reversed atrophy and apoptosis caused by GEM in both spleen and bone marrow through suppressing ROS secretion in vivo. The data indicated that the combination of SEP and GEM is a potential chemo-immunotherapy strategy for liver cancer treatment clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-equation thermal model could be an effective method for the simulation of thermal-hydrodynamic process in industry-scale EGS heat reservoirs. The conventional way of computing the heat transfer rate between rock and fluid in the two-equation model is using Newton’s law of cooling with a constant equivalent solid-fluid heat transfer coefficient. However, the present work reveals that this method is unable to precisely simulate EGS heat extraction, in which the thermal resistance of solid plays an important role and the temperature of fluid is in rapid changing. Instead, we propose an analytical method to determine the heat transfer rate between rock and fluid, in which variations of fluid and rock temperatures are adequately considered. Simulation cases with different meshes or using different thermal models corroborate that the proposed method improves the prediction accuracy of the two-equation model and makes the model to be more applicable for industrial-scale EGS simulations as a larger mesh size is allowed to be used in the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, several strains were investigated to evaluate their ability to produce 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) from cheese whey powder (CWP). The capacity of these strains for 2,3-BD production was assessed in lactose medium and two strains Klebsiella pneumoniae CICC 10781 and K. oxytoca CICC 21518 were selected. Fully assessing the fermentation performances indicate that CICC 10781 was more suitable for 2,3-BD production from CWP than CICC 21518. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the medium composition. Na 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 ·2H 2 O, CH 3 COONa, and urea were the key factors influencing 2,3-BD synthesis, and the optimal concentrations were 3.65, 5.45, and 0.54 g/L, respectively. Two-stage pH control strategy with pulsed fed-batch fermentation was then developed, in which the pH was maintained at 6.5 for the first 8 h and then shifted to 6.0 till the end of fermentation. Using this strategy, the maximal 2,3-BD production reached 57.63 g/L. The results may provide new guidance for industrial-scale production of 2,3-BD from CWP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researches have shown that miR-425-5p expression altered in lung, esophageal, and glial cancer. Similarly, in our previous study, we found miR-425-5p expression was up-regulated in GC cells and could promote gastric cancer (GC) cell invasion and metastasis. However, the functional mechanism and the prognostic significance of miR-425-5p in GC remain unclear. Therefore, the present study examined miR-425-5p expression in GC tissues and also evaluated miR-425-5p of the therapeutic and prognostic value. Moreover, with interference of miR-425-5p expression in cell lines, we investigated the molecular mechanism of miR-425-5p and the expression level was higher in GC tissues comparing with that in gastric tumor-adjacent mucosa. These results suggested that miR-425-5p over-expression may be associated with depth of invasion and TNM stages and can be a prognostic marker of poor outcome. After inhibition of miR-425-5p expression in MKN45 cells, the cell activity was weakened. The number of G0/G1 cells increased while G2/M and S cells decreased, and the cell apoptotic rates elevated ( P < 0.05). Some proliferation and apoptosis related genes were altered ( P < 0.05). Consequently, miR-425-5p can be considered as a marker of poor prognosis and it is probably involved in GC cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating some of the genes which participate these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology is proposed for dynamic probability assessment of natural gas pipeline for third-party damage. • Failure factors are identified into two aspects of intentional factors and unintentional factors. • The probabilities of third-party damage failure causations are estimated by Fuzzy set theory and Dempster-Shafer evidence theory. • Fault tree analysis and event sequence diagram are coupled and transformed into dynamic Bayesian network model to eliminate uncertainty. • A real-field case study is used to prove the practicality and advantages of the proposed method. Failure and leakage of natural gas pipelines can lead to serious ecological losses and casualties. Third-party damage has become an important cause of pipeline failure and leakage, which urgently needs an accurate risk assessment method to assess the risk. Conventional qualitative risk analysis methods can only point out the critical events of failure accidents but fails to predict the failure probability. This paper proposes a dynamic risk probability analysis method based on Dynamic Bayesian network (DBN), which is validated by a third-party damage case under uncertainty. First, human factors are taken as the main analysis object in the risk analysis, by which two subcategories of intentional and unintentional factors are classified. A complete risk factor analysis is performed by combining expert recommendations with the fault tree analysis method and developing a coupled model with the event sequence diagram. Second, in order to deal with the uncertainty of risk factors, the coupled model is mapped to a DBN model. The prior probabilities of the input DBN model are obtained by database, fuzzy set theory, and Dempster-Shafer evidence theory. Weibull distribution is applied to construct the probability transfer process between time segments, which better fits the characteristics of third-party disruptive factors in onshore pipelines. Finally, the practicality and advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated by a real case study, which identifies 6 critical events and predicts the probabilistic information in different time slices. Furthermore, the method predicts the probability of failure events and potential consequences by processing the time series information, and it is found that the probability of structural damage and explosion is higher than other consequences. In this way, some risk management countermeasures are proposed in a targeted manner. The results show that compared with the conventional BN model which only performs probabilistic inference once, the DBN model can perform temporal dynamic inference to achieve the prediction of failure probability, and it can effectively achieve the numerical prediction of risk failure probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The importance of the composition of an energy-restricted diet in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown. Objectives In this study we aimed to investigate the benefits of a novel dietary treatment (50% calorie restriction diet composed of yogurt, fruit, and vegetables [CR-YD]) in mice with MetS. Methods Forty 7-wk-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10/group) that were fed for 14 wk ad libitum with a normal diet (ND; 10%:70%:20% energy from fat: carbohydrate: protein) or for 12 wk with a high-fat diet (HFD; 60:20:20) or the HFD followed by 2 wk of feeding with a 50% calorie-restricted HFD (CR-HFD) or YD (CR-YD, 21.2%:65.4%:13.4% energy). Body weight, fat deposition, hepatic steatosis, serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, and glucose homeostasis were assessed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to validate the roles of gut microbiota in MetS. Results The HFD group had 50% greater body weight and 475% greater fat deposition than the ND group (P  < 0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the CR-HFD and CR-YD groups had 22% and 31% lower body weight and 49% and 75% less fat deposition, respectively (P  < 0.05). Compared with the CR-HFD group, the CR-YD group had 11% lower body weight, 96% less fat deposition, 500% less hepatic steatosis, 75% lower glucose, and 450% more hepatic Akkermansia bacteria (P  < 0.05). The CR-YD group also had 50% lower histopathology scores and 1.35-fold higher levels of Claudin4 than the CR-HFD group (P  < 0.05). The HFD + CR-YD fecal group had 10.6% lower body weight, 119% lower steatosis, and 17.9% lower glucose (P  < 0.05) than the HFD + CR-HFD fecal group. Conclusions Compared with CR alone, the CR-YD diet has a better therapeutic effect in mice with HFD-induced MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two binuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln 2 (hfac) 6 (HL) 2 ] (Ln III = Dy( 1 ), Tb( 2 ); hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate, HL = (R)-2-amino-2-phenylethanol) have been successfully obtained by using amino alcoholate ligand. In two complexes, the Ln(III) ions are bridged by two alkoxido groups from HL ligands, resulting in binuclear complexes. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility studies indicate that there exists ferromagnetic interaction between two Ln(III) ions. Frequency dependent out-of-phase signals are observed for complex 1 , suggesting SMM type behavior. Complexes 1 and 2 display intensely characteristic luminescent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]